portrait of Anne Boleyn 
ANNE BOLLEN.    

THE NOVELS OF ELIZABETH Queen of England; Containing the History of Queen AND OF BULLEN.  
Faithfully Rendered into English by S. H.  
LONDON Printed for Mark Pardoe, at the Black Raven over agianst Bedford-House in the Strand, 1680.   

 portrait of Queen Elizabeth   

The Novels of Elizabeth, Queen of England, etc.  
NOtwithstanding the Duke of Allenoon had quitted the Court of England, Queen Elizabeth continued her usual Divertisements with the principal Lords and Ladies of Her Court. Balls, Comedies, and Music, were oftentimes their Entertainments; but as Conversation did chiefly delight the heart of this Princess, it was herein that this great Queen (who was always projecting high Designs for the agrandizing her Government) was accustomed to recreate her Spirits.  
Being assembled one night at Westminster, their discourse insensibly changed into a recital of the grand revolutions during the Reign of King Henry VIII. Some persons thought to make their Court in condoling the destiny of the Queen her Mother, of whom divers had spoken so differently, and the Truth so little known. The Queen who was naturally good, replied that Kings do usually guide themselves in a different way from particular persons, and that what passeth in their Cabinet-Council, ought not to be divulged to all the World, therefore the Death of the Queen her Mother had till that time, upon politic Considerations, been kept secret, that nevertheless she ought to supersede all these considerations to justify a Princess to whom she owed her Birth.  
But as the too great credulity of the King her Father ought in some measure to be blamed, she should be very glad that the Duke of Northumberland would relate it, he having been a Witness to the greatest part of those things which did conduce to that wicked Action, and he being exempt from Partiality, his Relation would carry the greater Truth. Wherefore after his obeisance to the Queen, he began thus:   

The History of Queen AND of BULLEN.  
ENgland, for many years past, did not flourish with so great Peace and Tranquillity as in the first years of the Reign of King Henry VIII. The Inclinations of this Prince were good; He possessed many eminent Qualities; He was at first purposed for the Church, and his youthful years having been employed in continual Study, he acquired a profound Knowledge, whereof he gave a signal Testimony in process of time.  
He ascended the Throne so young, that in the beginning of his Reign he stood in need of the Duchess of Richmond his Grandmothers Counsels, a Woman of the greatest Ingenuity and Virtue in her Age. The chief Offices in the Kingdom were disposed of by her; by her William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury was made Lord Chancellor, Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, was made Lord Keeper, Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey Lord Treasurer, and George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury Lord Steward of His Household.  
Things did not long continue in so quiet a Condition as at the beginning. The King Espoused Katherine of Arragon, Relict of his Brother Prince Arthur, not without some repugnancy; the Duchess of Richmond died soon after this Marriage: There happened a division amongst his Ministers; Wolsey is raised from a low Condition to that of the King's Favourite, and all the kindness this Prince could have for the Queen was Traversed by the Enchantments of Elizabeth Blunt. Never was any Person more ensnared by this Passion than he, and this one vanity of his clouded the splendour of all his virtues.  
Although the Birth of Wolsey was very obscure (being the Son of a Butcher, born at Ipswich in Suffolk) he had a most pregnant Wit, capable of the highest affairs, so that few Courtiers were comparable to him in their abilities; as he had particular Talents to make a happy usage of the King's Favour, so did he tightly insinuate himself into His Majesty's affections, by cherishing this young Prince's inclinations to Women.  
The first advantages he acquired by his Policy were the Bishoprics of Tournay and Lincoln, shortly after, the King made him Archbishop of York, and that he might not be inferior to the Archbishop of Canterbury, he procured of the Pope to be made a Cardinal.  
But whilst he established himself thus gloriously, Blunt made no less considerable Progress in His Majesty's Affections; this Illustrious Conquest made her Ambitious without moderation, she pleased herself sufficiently in making the King Act blindly whatever she desired. (excepting this weakness) he was the best man in the World at the Age of two and twenty years.  
Pleasures incessantly reigned in his Court, there Youth appeared Magnificent, the King had a Liberal Soul, His Favourite was not covetous, Blunt loved Splendour and vast expense, nothing was there seen but Balls, Comedies, Tournaments, and stately Magnificence.  
The Queen was a Princess infinitely wise and constant to her Husband; the amorous commerce betwixt him and Blunt gave her much perplexity, but she hoped that time and the advantage she should have in bringing forth a Legitimate Heir to the Crown would win her the King's heart.  
But things happened not according to her desire, for she was delivered of a Son, whom she sent as a New-years-gift to the King the first day of January; he received it with no small joy, but she was much afflicted by the Death of this young Prince, who lived but one Month; but Blunt more fortunate than the Queen, brought forth a Son who was immediately Created Knight of the Garter, Earl of Nottingham, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, and afterwards Admiral of England.  
So much Grandeur might have satisfied blunt's Ambition, yet she raised herself to something more considerable. There were certain Circumstances in the King's Marriage which made her conceive other hopes, and Woolsey's Friendship being most necessary to her, she sought by all possible means to gain it; but he well saw her Power was so great that he feared he had too much favoured a Passion which might diminish, or at least limit his Esteem.  
At this juncture of time the affairs of England and France obliged Henry VIII. and Francis I. of France to resolve upon that famous interview made betwixt Guines and Ardres; The King of England arrived at Guines with all his Court, and at the same time the King of France at Ardres with his Court; the two Kings saw one another, and spoke together, and so splendid was the Magnificence on both sides, that ever since the place is called The Camp of Cloth of Gold; both Parties made Feasts, and both Nations often intermixed. Blunt, extremely eager to possess the heart of Henry, brought with her an Equipage worthy of her Ambition. The Duchess of Suffolk who had been the Wife to Lewis the Twelfth, but now Wife to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, upon this occasion appeared as the King's Sister, and as one of the most Beautiful Ladies in the World. As for the Queen who was naturally modest she did not affect the sparkling of Gems, but was content with that of her dignity, and had with her many Maidens of the best Houses of England, whose Parents had put them into an Equipage suitable to her retinue, yet there was no sight there comparable to the fair Ann Bullen, who went over into France with the Princess of England when she was Married to Lewis XII. and continued there till now. She Eclipsed all the Beauties there, and King Henry, who till then had never sighed for any Lady but Blunt, felt at the sight of Ann Bullen that his Soul was too great to be Limited to one single passion, he found something so sweet and Charming in her eyes, that in spite of Blunts Jealousy he abandoned himself to the pleasure of beholding her.  
Wolsey, who studied all his actions, soon perceived this Passion, and at the same instant contrives a design to oppose her to Blunt, whose esteem began to disquiet him. But as Ann of Bullen was of the Queen of France's Retinue, and as there could be no pretence to withdraw her thence so suddenly, she returned to Paris, and Henry was much troubled to part with her.  
There were then many Persons of quality, who passed from England to France, and from France to England, curiosity transporting some, and love enforcing others. Henry Percy, Son to the Earl of Northumberland, followed the Court of France, or rather Ann of Bullen, of whom he was most passionately amorous; he was perfectly handsome, and of very great Merit, although he was young he had already shown much Valour against the Britan's, and had followed the Marquis of Dorset with much Honour in the affair of Navarre, he now only reserved the Honour to gain the heart of Ann Bullen, who had resisted the suits of the most Illustrious persons of France.  
And it was in this Voyage that Piercy first acquainted her with the Passion he had conceived for her at the interview of Guines. He had submission and heat, perseverance and a certain sweet and agreeable temper of Wit, easy to insinuate. Ann Bullen was tender and courteous; her Eyes found him worthy of her heart, and he found no difficulty in gaining her love, after he had assured her of his.  
But whilst they th●… passionately engaged each other, Fortune changed their Scene. There happened some things in England which did precipitate the designs of Wolsey. The Duke of Buckingham who had a Soul both great and generous) as generally all those of his name ever had) supported the Pride of Wolsey with much impatience, he explained himself hereupon a little too high, and his Franckness was the cause of his Ruin. The Cardinal who knew the importance of so great an Enemy, resolved to overthrow him speedily, and began by removing his most particular friends. The Earl of Surrey his Son in Law was, upon some slight pretence, imprisoned, and the Earl of Northumberland his Father in Law was sent into Ireland. Wolsey's ill nature took the advantage of that Power his favour had raised him to, and by his underhand labouring Buckingham was Condemned to be Beheaded. The Crimes whereof he was accused were inconsiderable, and he had assuredly obtained his Pardon, if he had asked it, but he had so much Courage as to prefer death before a base submission.  
Blunt made so strong an opposition in this Affair against Wolsey, that he often feared he should not be able to compass his designs herein. She perceived he had no good intentions for her, and therefore she took contrary Measures in her conduct to what she did formerly in respect of him. As he was the most penetrating of all men, he disintricated all the designs of Blunt, and wavered no longer to manage the return of Ann Bullen (whom he well knew the King remembered with much tenderness) in hopes to have an entire power over a Person whom he pretended to raise above Blunt.  
The arrival of Ann Bullen was a most agreeable surprise to the King, who had conserved a vigorous Passion for her, her absence had only produced in him pressing desires to see her again, and now, found her more fair, and abandoned himself entirely to her Charms, but whether he feared Blunt, or had some respect for the Queen, he was a little cautious of showing his Change. Piercy who went into France only for the love of Ann Bullen, stayed not there after her return: at her arrival she was preferred to the Queen, where the King had opportunity to see her and discourse with her without difficulty. Wolsey was now wholly bend to put her in the place of Blunt, who in a short time perceived the King's inconstancy: She was ready to die with grief, and doubted not but it was the Cardinal's doings only, which made her conceive an irreconcilable hatred against him.  
Ann Bullen, although she perceived what effects her Beauty had produced upon the King's heart, became nothing proud thereof, and found nothing but subject of perplexity in this advantage. Piercy had smitten her in such an effectual and tender manner that nothing was capable to remove him from her, and as this was not the first time she had sacrificed considerable Conquests to him; she easily determined to hear the King no farther than her condition obliged her to, and to answer him no otherwise then with respect and indifferency.  
The Rank she held with the Queen was considerable, being descended from the ancient Earls of Ormond by the Father's side, and from the great House of Norfolk by the Mothers; her wit which was Modelled in the most gallant Court of Europe created her many Friends, and Blunt, whose jealousy increased against her at the same measure that the King's flames were declared in her favour, was the only person who sought not her friendship, notwithstanding she durst not permit her first Fury to act openly against her, but contented herself to search into, and instruct herself in the affairs of Ann Bullen.  
Fortune facilitated her way hereunto. This fair Ann had a Brother whose great Merit made a considerable figure in King Henry's Court, but whose wicked Destiny inspired him with a Passion for Blunt. The King's Constancy to her had hindered his discovery of it, but the levity which he now observed in him emboldened him; He took Blunt in one of those moments of despite wherein she passionately desired to be revenged on the King, and hoping for great advantages from such a lover as young Bullen, who could not probably be ignorant of his Sister's Secrets, she bound him in a commerce of Gallantry. She learned of him the Engagement betwixt Piercy and Ann Bullen; this knowledge was joyful to her, hoping that a Marriage between these two persons would traverse the pretensions of Wolsey, and would heal the heart of the King, whom ●he did not renounce.  
The Cardinal had Prospects quite opposite to Blunt; he pretended to govern this Prince always by the means of Ann Bullen, whose Beauty engaged him more and more, but he did not foresee the obstacle which Piercy's Merit had brought to his Pretensions.  
The King, naturally unconstant, neglected not only Blunt, who before had so great power over him, but began also to have some sentiments of indifferency for the Queen, which were soon changed into a version; upon this matter he opens his very Soul to Wolsey alone: The Cardinal, who did not love this Princess, was glad of it, and began immediately to insinuate into the King's mind a design of a Divorce, not that he intended to make Ann Bullen Queen, for he proposed the Alliance of the Duchess of Allencon, Sister to the King of France, for Henry, that so he might bring that Prince over to his Interests, and that he might at the same time have a Queen absolutely for him, and a Mistress for the King who was in some measure his Creature.  
The King, who thought she could content herself with his love, consented to the Alliance with France, and left the Rupture of his Marriage to Woolsey's care. The Power which the Cardinal had in England, his Intrigues at Rome, and his intelligence in France gave him great hopes for the Divorce and the second Marriage. But Ann Bullen, who had both Virtue and Resolution, was not of the humour to indulge the King's Passion as he desired. She received his first assurances of it with a respect more full of coldness, than he expectde. This resistance augmented his love, and to render himself more agreeable, he sought for succours in his Divertisements, he invented Plays and Feasts, and all this was only advantageous to Piercy, who appeared there with so much grace and activity, that Ann Bullen respected none but him, and was only sensible of his sighs. The Queen, who foresaw part of her Misfortunes by the King's coldness to her, lived in a deplorable sadness. All the Passion of young Bullen could not consolate Blunt, by reason of Henry's Inconstancy. She saw every day her own credit to fade, and her Rivals to flourish, and the immoderate ambition which possessed her, cast her Soul into an estate of perpetual fury and  
In the mean time every one began to speak of the King's change, the Queen, Blunt, and all the Court were convinced of it by the constant care he had for Ann Bullen, but they also observed that she took no pains to manage this Conquest.  
Piercy had too powerful an interest in this Affair not to examine it carefully, he was persuaded of the fidelity of Ann Bullen, but the concurrence of such a Rival as Henry was notwithstanding an unhappy Cross, and what ever her preference might be for him, he had reason to fear so puissant an Authority.  
He saw Ann Bullen every day, ●nd at all hours, he remarked ●ome melancholy in her eyes, ●nd as he loved in such measure ●hat her least troubles were the ●hief Subject of his despair, be ●eared she had taken some secret displeasure, and conjured her tenderly to make no Mystery of it to him. He found her one day in so extraordinary a melancholy, that he sighed several times, and she perceived it not, finding something of cruelty to his love in this Novelty, he broke a silence which began to make him impatient. I know not Madam, said he, what your heaviness presages to me, but it makes me fear 'tis something unluckey: there is no appearance that you have not still the same bounty for me as you had before, nor do I believe I have rendered myself unworthy of it, nevertheless I see a surprising change in you: It may be said your eyes did not know me, or that they would not give themselves the trouble to look upon me, I see nothing in them but a cruel indifferency: It seems they never did know you have loved me. Can it be possible that your Court is agreed with those— No, she replied, interrupting him with a sigh, do not expound a languish which you have caused, to my disadvantage. I love you with too much Justice ever to cease loving you, and this trouble which you have observed by my silence and by my melancholy is only an effect of that tenderness I have for you. Do not hide my good Fortune under such cruel appearances, replied Piercy. Tell me the true cause of this condition wherein I now see you, if you love my repose.  
I fear, said she, Fortune has no good will towards me, and I am jealous of her favours. I know, says Piercy, she hath created me a dangerous Rival, but I am assured of your Constancy and I neither fear his merit nor his power. You do me justice, said Ann Bullen, and I do again reiterate my Vows I have so often made to you, That I will never love any but yourself. But Piercy, if that tenderness which the King declares for me be not capable to move me, his Authority which obliges me to suffer it, will prove but a fatal Experiment; I protest to you it is with great impatience that I am forced to spend those few Moment's with him, which I would most willingly bestow upon you, and that he can see nothing in my eyes but discontent which ought to repulse him. Piercy loved too well not to find a sensible delight in this obliging discourse of Ann Bullen, he returned her his Thanks for it in most passionate terms, and continued his discourse, saying, Make my interest with your Parents, Madam, before the King explains himself, and I will secure my own, and you can, by establishing my good fortune, hinder the King from thwarting us. An Bullin loved Piercy sufficiently to consent to every thing that might secure herself for him. Now it was openly discoursed that the King would divorce his Queen, and Mary the Duchess of Alencon, and the opportunity was favourable enough to Piercy's intentions, who declared them to old Bullen, and he accepted of this Alliance without difficulty, as being very advantageous to his Family. Blunt learned this News of her lover with such joy, as for some time suspended her jealousy. But old Bullen would not consent to this Marriage betwixt Piercy and his Daughter, till the King and the Earl of Northumberland had approved it. There was then a necessity to speak to them of it, and as Ann● Bullen had great reason to fear some obstacles, she would not employ ordinary persons in this Negotiation. She prayed the Duchess of Suffolk (by whom she was tenderly beloved, as being her Confident during her secret Intelligence with Brandon) to make the King consent to Piercy's good Fortune, it wa● not without some confusion tha● she explained herself to th● Duchess, but the interest o● her heart overwhelmed her Modesty.  
The King had much Friendship and very great Respect fo● the Duchess of Suffolk, she suspected, as well as others, the designs that he had upon the heart of Ann Bullen, but as he never had told her any thing of it, she feigned ignorance and acquainted the King her Brother, That she having a Friendship full of esteem for Ann Bullen, she ardently desired to see her Married to Piercy, a Person of Merit, and humbly begged His Majesty to consent to it.  
The King blushed at this discourse of his Sisters, and judged that Ann Bullen had given the Princess this employ, and that from her only she had learned to Praise Piercy, his thoughts were mightily discomposed, and being sensible of nothing but love and jealousy, he looked upon the loss of Ann Bullen as the greatest of evils which could possibly befall him. He could not hide his trouble from the Princess, whom he desired to speak no more of this affair, for some important reasons, whereof he would one day give her an account. But he enquired of her whether Piercy was beloved, and having learned the truth, he immediately quitted the Duchess of Suffolk, and sent to find Woolsey, whom he commanded to think no more of the Duchess of Alencon for his Queen, but to employ all his Art to preserve Ann Bullen for him.  
The Cardinal wished heartily that the King's Passion had been a little more moderated, but considering it was an epidimical distemper, and that in making Ann Bullen Queen he should gain her absolutely, he did not believe that a person of her Age and condition could have Constancy proof against a Crown. So he assured the King of all that might flatter him, and took upon himself the Charge to let Piercy know that he must heal himself till such time as the King should declare his intentions for Ann Bullen.  
In the mean time they began to labour for the Divorce, and the Queen, who had secret advice thereof, expected those succours she stood in need of for the justice of her cause. Blunt, who believed the Marriage of Piercy and Ann Bullen was concluded, flattered by her ambitious prospects, conspired the Rupture of the King's Marriage with the Duchess of Alencon. She was big with great hopes of her young Son, for whom the Infanta of Portugal, with the Duchy of Milan for her Portion, were already designed, and she doubted not one day to raise herself by this fortune to something more considerable.  
As Woolsey was busied in the important Affairs of this Kingdom, and Piercy gave himself up entirely to his love, the Cardinal could not acquit himself so soon of his promise to the King. The Prince did not delay so long to explain himself to Ann Bullen; It was not many days after the Duchess of Suffolk had spoke to him that he stopped Ann Bullen as she was passing through the Gallery into the Queen's Lodgings, and taking her aside to a Window, I demand of you, said he a moment's Audience, I have something to tell you of importance enough to oblige you to grant it me. Although my duty calls me to attend the Queen (said she) I know the Obedience I owe to your Majesty, and am ready to hear whatever your Majesty shall please to say to me. The King replied, Is it true that you would render Piercy the most happy of all men? I thought I had sufficiently made known to you that I loved you so well as never to consent to it, you have an absolute power over my heart, give me some small part in yours, and I will make you a present far more glorious than Piercy.  
Although Ann Bullen harkened well to what the King told her, she could not refrain sighing, the happiness of her life was founded upon her Passion for Piercy, she preferred him above all the Fortunes of the Universe. If your Majesty, said she, had in the least intimated to me, that I should not love Piercy, at the time when my heart was at liberty, I had done all that was in my power to have prevented it, but it is now a long time since I declared my inclinations in his favour. I will oppose it all my life time, said the King extremely moved, you know he is my Subject, and I can remove him from you when I list. She replied boldly, You can do something yet more unjust, but in Banishing Piercy from your Kingdoms, or exposing him to any disgrace, you will not find the way to chase him from my heart, and any misfortune that he suffers for my sake will but render me the more sensible for him. Your Majesty obliges me to speak with that freedom which perhaps you may condemn, but I had rather commit that error then betray my just sentiments. A more passionate man than I, the King replied, would punish Piercy for the Injustice you have done me, I hope that a little reflection upon my proceedings will make you sensible you are in the wrong: abuse not my moderation, I am not exempt from some transports I would willingly avoid, I love you enough to Sacrifice all things to you, and I would not give place to the highest Powers in the Universe for you; the life of Piercy shall answer for what you make me suffer, therefore I leave it to you to manage my hopes.  
Ann Bullen entered the Quens Presence much tormented at the King's last words. In the mean time Woolsey entertained Piercy, and put his patience upon the Anvil. It is a long time, said he to him, that I have sought for an occasion to let you know that I love you, I am persuaded of your exceeding great Merit, and should be sensibly displeased if you should give the least occasion to Fortune to declare herself against you; I must give that advice which I would not have you neglect. You love Ann Bullen, the King hath some designs which agree not with your Passion, endeavour to free yourself from it, and merit the King's esteem by this effort. What designs soever the King may have, answered Piercy, I see nothing that can hinder me from loving the person you speak of, and it is not my humour to renounce the least of my hopes. I know that you can love in spite of all the World, replied Woolsey, but I know better that the King can Command you not to look upon a person, for whom he hath a particular esteem, and that it were better for you to remove yourself from her, then to expose yourself to the indignation of your Prince. I know not by what Motive you Act, said Piercy, whether in zeal for him, or Pity for me, but I declare to you, That neither all the Powers of Earth, nor a whole Age of Reflection, can ever be able to make me change. Woolsey added, I thought you had not been so strictly engaged, but since you resolve so blindly to destroy yourself, I must leave you to your Passion. And I will follow the Inclinations of it with Pleasure, said Piercy, and I feel myself determined to a Constancy tha● is Proof against all things.  
Woolsey left him enraged with a foolish Stability, and resolved to punish him for it. His Ambition, which every body flattered, could not see himself despised without Indignation, but he hid it from the King, and did not tell him the truth of things, to spare him the trouble.  
Piercy recounted to his Mistress the discourse he had had with Woolsey, and she told him what had passed between the King and her; and as these Lovers were Alarmed at the crosses preparing for them, so the pleasure of loving each other with such Constancy did Comfort them.  
Woolsey, who was Confident of the King's Passion, and knew all its violence, harkening no longer to Reason, which at first hindered him from indulging it, now only studies Piercy's Misfortune. Blunt, who looked upon the Cardinal as the principal Athor of the King's infidelity, discovered to him her Resentments of it upon all occasions. The Cardinal knew her fierceness, and was not ignorant of her Artifices, and as he feared her credit, though much diminished, he resolved to ruin her, to advance the Fortune of Ann Bullen. He a●…seth the King to recall the old Earl of Northumberland out of Ireland, and oblige him to marry his Son Piercy: at the same time that these orders were given, Henry declares openly the intention he had for the Divorce. The Queen in vain employs the aid of her tears and tenderness, but nothing spoke in her favour, and Brian and Vane were sent to Rom● to proceed in it.  
Blunt doubted not but this great design was Woolsey's Inspiration, and judged that he laboured to elevate her Rival▪ The Queen, who was upon the very point to receive so sensible an injury, was not less enraged against him, and although she had more Moderation them Blunt, her Hatred for the Cardinal aspired 〈◊〉 less to Vengeance.  
Ann Boulogne's Favour, which began to appear openly, and the care of the Queen and Blunt to decry her, began to make the people murmur; The King was obliged to explain himself to an Assembly of his Lords at his Palace of Bridewell, where he Protested that it was purely out of Conscience, and the desire he had to give them a Successor to the Crown, which moved him to this design of divorcing the Queen. Some of them appeared satisfied herewith, but many of them were not contented at it. The subtle Woolsey, who feared some dangerous troubles might befall him upon ●…it, persuaded the King, That whatsoever Pleasure he took to see Ann Bullen, it was of vast importance for him to remove her for some time, That reasons of State as well as those of love obliged him to it, That it was to separate her from Piercy, and to facilitate the design he had to recall his Father, That the Queen murmured, and that the discontent of the People which was managed by the jealousy of Revengeful Blunt, was not less to be feared, and that this retirement of Ann Bullen would infallibly calm all things.  
The King approved Woolsey's Reasons, but found it difficult to consent to them; but the Cardinal left him not till he made him determine this Exile, which he went immediately to denounce to Ann Bullen. Madam, said Woolsey to her, I come to offer a Petition to you from the King, which will be surprising, since the Contents thereof is to Banish yourself from the Court, for no other Crime then that you have appeared therein too Beautiful: 'Tis not without much regret that he removes you, since all the happiness of his life depends upon seeing and pleasing you. But the present state of Affairs have so Ordered it, and it shall be for so short a time as would not be discernible, but that all Eyes are upon you.  
Ann Bullen was fierce, and sensible of the least thing that concerned her Honour, she took some offence at her undeserved Exile, ●nd their endeavour to Banish ●er from the love of Piercy exciting her Passion, she told Woolsey she should readily quit that place where she received so little satisfaction. I pity His Majesty's weakness, said she, and and I shall joyfully depart from a Court, where I am often forced to hear those things that displease me, to retire into a solitude, where I may with liberty entertain myself with those thoughts that please me. You may there make just reflections, replied Woolsey, upon the grand Advantages which Fortune has decreed you. Her Favours, said she, are so unsolid that I will wholly bend myself to despise them; tell the King I will be gone to morrow, and that I am extremely obliged to him for ordering me that thing which I desired with my whole heart.  
She would have no longer Converse with him, but shut herself up in her Chamber, and feigned an Indisposition. The Cardinal returned to the King, and as he had made himself a necessary familiarity to flatter him, he concealed the Rage of Ann Bullen from him, and settled his mind in a peaceable Condition.  
Piercy received this News of Ann Boulogne's Banishment with unspeakable grief. She exhorted him to support this beginning of their crosses with constancy, and said a thousand tender things to him, which something allayed his torment, but their parting extracted many tears from both; Piercy had a great Courage, but could not refrain this weakness.  
Ann Bullen retired some two days Journey from London, to one of her Father's Houses, where she was only accompanied by her Mother. The place was very agreeable and proper to flatter her melancholy, her absence astonished every body. Blunt, who knew not the true causes hereof, was joyful at it, and believed it to be the beginning of her disgrace, and that she was withdrawn by rigour. But the Queen, more penetrating, plainly perceived That her Banishment was only to appease the people's murmuring, and to facilitate the King's designs.  
At this juncture, the old Earl of Northumberland returned from Ireland, and was received with extraordinary Testimonies of Esteem and Friendship. The King gave him new Offices, augmented his Revenues, and pleasantly surprised him by the addition of Favours, even beyond his hopes. Woolsey, who had advised with the King upon the Conduct which ought to be observed in this Affair, expressed to him on his own part, how strong a desire he had to serve him, and gave him Counsel how he might yet farther sustain and enlarge his Fortunes; he convinced him at last that the Alliance of Ann Bullen would be ●o ways advantagions to his ●on, and proposed by the By ●he only Daughter to the Earl ●f Shrewsbury for him, and made ●im easily apprehend how great 〈◊〉 Credit this Marriage would procure to his Family. The on●y thing that made him pause, ●as to find a means whereby 〈◊〉 oblige his Son, who was a●…orous, and passionately beloved, to commit an Infidelity. Woolsey, more crafty and less ●arful, told him, That with a ●…tle Affront or foul play, it ●…ight easily be brought to pass, ●…d that it was no hard matter 〈◊〉 obstruct the most tender En●…gements.  
Although the Earl loved his ●n with a Fatherly Passion, ●d was persuaded of his con●ncy, yet he followed the Car●…nal's Counsel, and proposed the Earl of Shrewsbury's Daughter to Piercy, who Answered his Father with great emotion, and protested he would sooner seek his Death in the utmost parts of the World, then renounce his love. The Earl passed by this his first rashness; but whilst Piercy, by a happy intelligence, entertained a Commerce with Ann Bullen which cherished him, there was a Treachery of cruel effects preparing for them both.  
It was acknowledged that Ann Bullen was the only Ornament of the Court ever since her first arrival. The King was insensible of all pleasures, but those of love, and Woolsey was obliged to hasten those Affair● which might recall Ann Bullen.  
Old Bullen, who was flattered with the hopes of seeing his Daughter a Queen, did willingly assist to deceive her, and whilst his more indulgent Wife suffered her to continue her correspondence with Piercy, he engages with Woolsey and the Earls of Northumberland and Shrewsbury.  
Ann Bullen lived contentedly in her Solitude, and showed a strong resolution to continue in it, but her Father went himself to pull her out of it, and made use of all his Authority to make her return to the Court. She obeyed, but would not return to the Queen, and it was with great grief that she saw herself constrained to suffer the King's Visits.  
You fly from me (said the King to her the first time he saw her) will you always in this manner answer a Passion which makes me undertake such extraordinary things? Yo● have explained it, she replied, i● so extraordinary a manner, tha● I have great reason to doubt o● it, and there are but few Lover● who would signalise their passion in Banishing the Creature the● love. The Violence I acted on myself (the King returned in Banishing you hence, aught to oblige you to pity me, an● not to reserve so unjust resentments against me, I would labour securely for my repos● and your Fortune; For yo● alone I have engaged my sel● in this Divorce which now so much surpriseth all Europe▪ In one word I will make you Queen. It is a condition, she replied interrupting him, too glorious for me, and I am no● in a conditition to accept You owe your heart to the Queen, who is a Princess deserving all your Affection, do not, in abandoning her, draw upon yourself those miseries which usually attend Infidelity. How cruel is your Generosity, said the King, or rather how unjust is your perseverance for Piercy? he is not so worthy as you esteem him, and time shall show you who is most amorous, he, or I  
In this manner the King explained himself, and Ann Bullen continued steadfast to the Passion she had for her Lover, who had left London to shun the Persecution of his Father, and was absent at her Arrival, but soon came up at the News of her return, and she soon perceived she had committed an irreparable oversight in leaving the Queen's House. Her Father forbid her to see Piercy, and sent him word of it, that so he might avoid the refusal which would be given him at the Gate. This Prohibition troubled her extremely, but she was necessitated to make use of her Courage. She dissembled before her Father, and told him with great indifferency that she would obey his Commands, but that she hoped, in doing this Injustice to Piercy, it was not in his resolution to employ the Authority he had over her in favour of any other Person. As those whom I would serve in your behalf, said he, have more power than I, I shall easily promise you to do nothing for them. At length he retired, and as she doubted not but Piercy's impatience would soon bring him to her, she Writ to him her Father's Orders.  
To PIERCY.  
It is forbidden me to see you it is a cruel Necessity unto which I am forced to obey, but my dear Piercy, they cannot hinder me from loving you, I Conjure you to submit yourself to those that have Authority over me, avoid those rash carriages that may render us meritorious of our sufferings; I shall not see you, but I shall Sacrifice to you what considerable thing soever Fortune can offer me, attending the opportunity to give you more forceable demonstrations of my tenderness.  
He that delivered this Letter to Piercy was an Eye-Witness of his transports caused by it; he presently thought upon revenge, and to begin with Woolsey first, whom he looked upon as the principal cause of his misfortune, but considering he was forewarned not to follow the motions of his Wrath, he was content to Afflict himself, and thus he answered the Letter of Ann Bullen.  
To AND BULLEN.  
No Considerations could hinder my Resentment, if the Injustice of my Enemies could have made me lose your heart, continue your bounty to me, which I prefer above all things: it would be unnecessary for me to repeat here how well I love you, and what I suffer for you: I will hope with you that the times may change; pity me, and believe that my Passion shall never end but with my life.  
The Messenger whom Ann Bullen entrusted with her Letter to Piercy, was perfidious, and being corrupted by her Father, never delivered her the Answer he had sent; she was surprised at Piercy's coldness, notwithstanding she did not accuse him, but attributed this silence to his grief.  
She feigned herself indisposed for a long time, as foreseeing that since she was forbidden to see Piercy at home, she could not be permitted to see him elsewhere. And to avoid all occasions of giving her Father cause to complain of her disobedience, and the World to give her trouble, she appeared not in any place, and Piercy sought after her in vain; in the mean time he was exposed to all the bad effects that a violent Passion cruelly thwarted could possibly cause. The King had other like Privileges, and saw Ann Bullen every day. Piercy was not long ignorant thereof, he knew well enough that her indisposition was feigned, and believing that she had received his Answer; bewails himself that her first Bounties should have so short a continuance: In this sort he passed away one Month, Ann Bullen being always retired, the King saw her as he was wont, and Piercy could do nothing but figure a thousand cruel things to himself: his Jealousy began to make him fear that the King was more happy than he, and the event of things confirmed him in his first suspicions.  
The Earl of Northumberland and old Bullen were equally agreed with Woolsey, the one aspired to see his Daughter Crowned, and the other to see his Son matched into the most considerable Family in England. Piercy had a Constancy which amazed them, and to remove it, Wolsey contrives with them a Letter from old Bullen to the Earl of Northumberland, which was in these Terms.  
To the Earl of Northumberland.  
THE Obstacle which your Son's Passion for my Daughter hath hitherto put to the Marriage you so much desire, is now wholly removed. I open my very heart, and impart my joy to you. Our persuasions have shaken Ann Bullen, and the King's Perseverance hath conquered her: the appearances of a Divorce have flattered her Ambition, and she hath now surrendered herself to the Interest of her Fortune, after a long Fight she maintained for Piercy. If things succeed according to our hopes, a short time shall assure you that no Person in the World has a higher Value for you then myself.  
Thomas Bullen.  
The Earl of Northumberland laid this Letter upon the Table in his Closet, where his Son usually came to speak with him, and left the door open. Fate acted what he desired; Piercy having some business with the Earl, went into his Closet, and there found this Artificial Letter, which caused the loss of his Repose. He read it often and would have persuaded himself that it was not real: but appearances joined with so powerful an evidence left him no place to doubt of his misfortune. The faithless Creature has surrendered, cried he, and whilst I despise real advantages, she hearkens to an unconstant man, who himself will soon punish her for the injury she hath done me. He paused a long time upon this Letter, and confirmed himself in his thoughts, that he was betrayed. By these reflections he concluded that Ann Boulogne's Letter to him was only an Artifice to hinder him from seeing her, and that she agreeing with her Father had consented to the writing of this to the Earl of Northumberland, who at this moment came in, and judged by the great consternation he found his Son in, that he had found Boulogne's Letter. He asked him remissly if he had any thing to say to him. Yes my Lord, replied Piercy, I come to beg your permission that I may go for some time to suck in a more agreeable Air than this of London. Why will you, said the Earl, leave it, when all things require your continuance here, you are sensible of my designs, and of the complaisance I have hitherto showed to your repugnancy of them; but in short Piercy, it is high time you should now satisfy me, you bear an illustrious name, my years are far spent, and the Interest of our House solicits me to establish you. I know, my Lord, said Piercy sighing, that I ought indisputably to act what ever you please, but you have known my weakness, and I still crave your Honours Pardon for it. Your Perseverance is so little merited, the Earl interrupted him, that I blush to see you sigh for a Woman who does abandon you, and pays those favours she only hopes from the King with such shameful advances. I beseech you, my Lord, replied Piercy dolefully, to spare Ann Bullen, she may have some levity, but can never fail of being Virtuous, and I am persuaded she will never sacrifice me but to the Crown of England. There is no likelihood of what you say, continued the Earl; the Divorce cannot be made, Campeius is preparing to go for Rome, and the Queen has more hopes than ever. Notwithstanding the King Visits Ann Bullen every day, and at all hours, he is very well satisfied with her, and has quite deserted Blunt.  
Some persons that came to pay a Visit to the Earl interrupted this conversation, which continued long enough to put Piercy upon cruel Trials; his Father would not in policy speak to him of this Letter, as not doubting but he had seen it, but gave him liberty to go and make doleful Reflections thereupon.  
He passed one of those terrible nights, where sensible disquiets take up the place of repose, and far from finding relief, he found on the morrow that the King had Created Ann Bullen Marchioness of Pembroke, old Bullen Earl of Ormond and Wilton, and his Son Viscount Rochfort. He doubted not then that these favours from the King were recompenses for the favours he received from Ann Bullen, and in spite of himself he fell into unjust suspicions of her.  
The Earl of Northumberland quickly perceived the disorder of his mind, and the impression that all these things had made upon it, he neglected not so favourable a Conjuncture: Piercy's constancy was attacked in many different places, they made him apprehend that he ought to engage himself before the intrigue of the King and Ann Bullen was made public. The Earl of Shrewsbury's Daughter was young and beautiful, he believed he might find some repose with a person so amiable, and married her after he had so long resisted the Commands of his Father, but time made him know his love was only hid under a resentment of short continuance.  
In the mean time the business of Divorce did not advance, the Cardinal Campeius who was Mediator for Rome, had orders to proceed slowly, the King's love made him impatient; Ann Bullen was not of the same Character with Blunt, but stuck much faster to her honour.  
But how great was her surprise when she heard of Piercy's Marriage, although she had murmured at his silence, she did not fear his fidelity: she gave no credit of a great while to this News, and thought it was only a Trial they had put her upon, but at length she was forced to yield, and persuade herself of that thing which all the World confirmed. Her own Conduct did nothing reproach her, yet she believed his distrust of her constancy had been the cause of his change. She employed all her care to hide her grief, but she succeeded not so well therein but the King perceived it, and reproached her with the kindness she conserved for so faithless a man: in fine all her spite was turned upon Wolsey: she had not the power to wish Piercy any harm, to avenge herself. Blunt was not less enraged against Wolsey then she, she understood by her correspondence with Vis-Count Rochefort that Piercy had not been deceived but by the Cardinal. These two redoubted Enemies undertook a thing that seemed impossible, that is to say the utter overthrow of Wolsey's Fortune. The Queen, who had a much more just subject to hate him, had the same intentions to ruin him, laboured on her part to destroy this audacious favourite.  
Piercy found not that tranquillity in his Marriage which he expected, although he believed the Marchioness of Pembroke was unconstant, and that all things obliged him to withdraw his affections from her, he found a greater disposition in himself to love her now then ever. The perplexity of finding himself every day sensible of his first Passion, occasioned him a dangerous fit of sickness; in the height of his Fever it was discoverable that he retained the same passion, but his Youth and the great care that was taken of him surmounted that Distemper, which every body judged to be Mortal. But he continued in a languish which time could hardly wear out.  
As angry as Ann Bullen was with him, she could not forbear to make some Vows for him, his Crime appeared most detestable to her, but she thought upon his Person with pleasure. They had not seen one the other from the time His Majesty had commanded her to retire from London, till they accidentally met one day by the side of the River Thames with equal emotion of Spirit, she could hardly know him he was grown so pale and cast down, that he moved rather pity then wrath. She gave a screek when she perceived it was he, who took her surprise to be her aversion. Madam, said he to her, I did not design to give you any trouble here, my grief conducted me hither, as a place proper for no other Company but itself; at a more happy time perhaps you might have seen me with less Horror.  
In a more happy time, replied the Marchioness, with looks which expressed more of sorrow than wrath, I should certainly have found the most sensible of all Pleasures to have seen the faithful and genourous Piercy, but I ought to have nothing but horror for a man who after his dearness to me, is become unconstant, perfidious, and in one word the Son-in-Law to the Earl of Shrewsbury. You have taught me to change, answered Piercy dolefully, but unfortunately for me, my condition is only changed, my heart is altogether the same it was. You are Married, she added, can you say that I have given you Examples of levity, I whom neither King, Father, Favourite, nor Fortune herself could be ever able to shake, nay even since you have betrayed me. And have not you, said Piercy, repaid the King those Dignities he hath showered on your whole Family, with that same heart you stole from me? No, unjust Piercy, said she, I have not done what you say, I have loved you with too wuch perseverance, and if I ought to be reproached with any thing, it i● that I have writ you a Letter full of tenderness, which you would no● vouchsafe to answer: Have not you received my Answer, cried he? I am betrayed Madam, I am too courteous not to acknowledge the Honour yo● did me, I have watched a thousand times to see you since, but you did not appear, the King has been continually in your company, has overwhelmed you with his favours, and all th● world spoke of his good fortune your Father has confirmed it, and despair has precipitated me into this state I am in at present. I see, said the Marchioness, we owe all our miseries to the Artifices of Woolsey, and without reproaching your weakness, I shall be content to comfort myself with that Liberty I have preserved I merit much greater evils then those I have, and I well see that time has destined me enough of them. But as for you, Madam said Piercy, put an end to those which may menace you, forget an ungrateful man who ought not to give you a moment's trouble, and no longer refuse that glory the King offers you, Mary him if he can make you Queen, you shall have in me a most unfortunate Subject, who will retain for you Sentiments of Respect, and adoration to the last minute of his life, and who shall find comfort in any condition, when he shall see you in a state worthy of yourself. I conjure you to this, continued he in prostrating himself at her feet, if a truly sincere penitence can merit any thing of you. She interupted him shedding some Tears, Go Piercy, and let it suffice you to have caused me the chief of all evils, do not solicit me to render it yet greater You have been more dear to me than fortune, and you are still too much: let us put a period to this conversation which afflicts us, and can give us no other Subject but that of repentance, conserve yourself for those persons to whom you stand obliged, and endeavour to forget me, for your own quiet sake. At these words the Marchioness parted from him, and he had not force enough to detain her, she never appeared more beautiful to him, and he never found himself more amorous. He continued some time after upon the place, he murmured against his Father, detested Woolsey, accused the Earl of Ormond, made a thousand reproaches to himself, and returned to his house full of grief and reluctancy.  
This discourse of Anne Bullen and Piercy gave them knowledge of their misfortunes, and incensed them against the Cardinal. The Pope's sickness which happened at this time, made him neglect the divorce, and labour secretly to be elected by all the powerful intrigues he had at Rome. The King perceived something, and pressed the two Cardinals earnestly to determine this famous affair, because they had full power to do it. But the Pope recovering this sickness, recals Campejus, without giving him leisure to satisfy the King. The King notwithstanding resolves to appear in Court, with the Queen before the Judges, nothing was more smart and touching then what the Queen pleaded in her defence, she implored justice of the King, and went out of Court in despair, and made her appeal from the Cardinals to the Pope.  
The King accused Woolsey of his delay, and that he had betrayed him secretly, but the Cardinal moderated his Indignation, by his Rhetoric who nevertheless looked upon him as a man of little Sincerity.  
Cardinal Campejus departed from London, and the King who knew the Pope and the Emperor were reconciled feared his Designs, Queen Katherine being Aunt to the Emperor, who interessed himself strongly in her Cause. Woolsey's slackness whilst he was in prospect of being elected Pope, caused much disquiet to the King, who ordered Campejus to be stopped at the Sea side under pretence of searching his Goods, but in effect, it was to see if there could be found amongst them any Writings concerning these Affairs.  
His departure raised the Queen's hopes, but gave fear to those that were interessed for the Marchioness of Pembroke. Blunt was not dissatisfied with these delays, knowing the King's present Inclinations. And Anne Bullen was joyful thereat, in hopes to be revenged of Woolsey, which followed soon after.  
The King had murmured against him with high Displeasure, every one perceived his favour was nipped, and the Enemies his haughtiness had raised him now observed no measures, the people cried out upon his Injustice, the Lords of his pride, the Queen of the sorrows he had caused her, Blunt that he had made her to lose the King's heart, and the Marchioness of Pembroke that he had occasioned the loss of her repose.  
The Queen proved that he designed to betray the King, keeping secret intelligences with the Pope and the Emperor, it was made clearly to appear that he oppressed the Nation by his vanity which he supported by tyrannising over the people; Anne Bullen was too much incensed against him not to second the multitude, and vindictive Blunt acted with no less resentments.  
He was then accused, and arraigned according to the usual forms of Justice, yet he continued to sit as Chancellor, hoping by his presence to disperse this storm, but the King was acquainted that a person accused as a criminal ought not to officiate the most important charge of the Kingdom. Who sent the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk to him to demand the great Seal from him, which he refused fiercely telling them his Majesty had honoured him with the Office of Chancellor for his life, but the King wrote to him on the morrow to send it him and to quit London. He obeyed the order of his Prince, returned the Seal, and immediately went to Asher, a very fair House that he built after he had given Hampton Court to the King, commanding his Steward to deliver up to the King or his Orders all his moveables, which were the richest that ever any Subject possessed.  
Norris who had been brought up with the King, took Woolseys' place of Favourite, and Confident. The quality of Agent in amorous Secrets was more agreeable with his Character, than with the gravity of a Prelate, his own experience had rendered him learned in these sort of intrigues, he had excess, of complaisance, and found the true way to please the King.  
Woolseys' process was made with sufficient precipitation, all his goods were confiscated, being convicted of Treason against the King, and Violation of the Laws of the Kingdom, but the disposal of his person was left to the pleasure of his Prince; if he had been more submissive, or less powerful, he had undoubtedly found more Friends, but his Fortune and his Pride had raised him up irreconciliable Enemies, he was ordered to attend the sequel of his Destiny at Asher. The King who could not all at once renounce the kindness he formerly had for him, left him in possession of the Archbishopric of York, and bishopric of Lincoln; sent Norris privately to him to assure him that he pitied his misfortune, and to give him a Ring, which the Cardinal received upon his Knees. He gave Norris a magnificent present, and after he acquainted him (with a great deal of wit and resolution) that he was a most famous example of fortune's inconstancy; he conjured him to assure the King of his respect, and acknowledgement. He fell dangerously sick in hearing by the intelligence he kept at the Court, that the Queen's Friends, blunt's Industry, and the Credit of Anne Bullen, did every day extinguish those sparks of bounty the King conserved for him. The King in the mean time was concerned at his illness, he sent to visit him, and obliged even the Marchioness of Pembroke to testify some candour to him, he was permitted to go from Asher to Richmond, but was arrested on the Road upon new accusations of Crimen Leze-Majesté, and carried to Cawood Castle.  
Sometime after he was taken out of the Castle to be brought to London, but Grief and a Fever ended his Life upon the Road, he died with a great deal of Constancy, and signified no other Regret, but the loss of his Prince's friendship; he had a prodigious Wit, and was seen (as it were) to Govern all Europe, and no Enemies but Women could have caused his fall.  
The King had been more sensible of his death, had he been less taken up with love, but he thought upon nothing but the means whereby he might possess Anne Bullen, whom neither his Care, nor Piercy's apparent Infidelity, could render any thing more flexible: He gave every day some fresh mark of his bounty to those of her Family, her Father was put into the chiefest Employs, and her Brother, Viscount Rochefort, appeared the most splendid man in the Court, he was permitted to see Blunt every day, but she had nevertheless hatred and jealousy for his Sister.  
Piercy led a most deplorable life, his Passion for Anne Bullen had recollected all its force, since their interview upon the River's side; she tasted more sweetness in finding him less culpable, than she could imagine, but the greater she found her tenderness for him, the more she avoided meeting him, not finding in herself strength enough to hide her Inclinations from him. Norris soon made himself considerable to all the world, by the credit he had acquired with the King, he often visited the Marchioness of Pembroke, in delivering the King's Amorous Messages to her, but he took a little too much pleasure in this Commerce, and unhappily found his heart was too tender to serve as an Agent for another, without some self Interest with the most beautiful person in the World.  
The esteem which the Kings of England and France had reciprocally one for the other, joined with some reasons of State, obliged them to make another interview. Henry met Francis at Boulogne, and Francis accompanied Henry afterwards to Callais, where the two Courts made up the most glorious Company in Europe. They made many Feasts, and the Marchioness of Pembroke appeared so beautiful in a Masquerade whereat the two Kings were, that she made new Conquests. Norris was so charmed with her, that he could not forbear saying to one of his most particular friends at their breaking off; How fair is the Marchioness of Pembroke, and how unhappy is a man to have a heart so sensible of it as mine? The King passed by him at that instant, but the place was dark, and he not speaking it very loud, his voice could not be discerned.  
Henry made the King of France his Confident in the passion he had for Anne Bullen, and told him he was resolved to marry her as soon as ever the Divorce should be determined. This Prince far from condemning his design, avows to him bona fide, that he had passionately loved her, and that in the same Condition he should have done the same thing, that he could assure him by experience, she had virtue made her worthy of that honour he decreed for her, and he offered him his assistance and force, if he stood in need of it upon this occasion, an Authority of such importance that caused a sensible joy to Henry. The two Princes mutually promised an inviolable friendship, and being willing to demonstrate it even in their Subjects, Henry gave the Order of the Garter to the Constable of Montmorency, and the Admiral Brion, and Francis gave the Order _____ to the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk.  
At the return from this Voyage, the King of France, whose counsel the Marchioness respected, solicited her for the King of England, she could no longer oppose so great difficulties, her Parents, her Acquaintance, and Piercy himself who conjured her to it; at length shaked her stability, which till that time she made appear. She consented to marry the King, and Rome having not yet concluded, Rowland Lee, afterwards Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, privately Celebrated the Ceremony in presence of Archbishop Cranmer, a number of Persons to whom the King imparted this secret, and some of the Family of Anne Bullen. The Publication of the Divorce was made shortly after, Queen Anne was presently Crowned, and Queen Catherine ever after called the Princess Dowager.  
Never was any Person more satisfied with his own Fortune than Henry, nor more worthy of hers than the beautiful Queen, she reserved so much sweetness and modesty in this Exaltation, that she charmed all those that approached her therewith. Piercy, who continually adored her, was consolated in some measure, in the happiness of his Rival for his Mistress' glory; Queen Katherine expected it too long to be surprised at it, but blunt's fury, who foresaw it as well as the Queen, ceased not to give her terrible transports at the news: Her hatred to the Sister extended to the Brother, and she detested both the one and the other. It was somewhat terrible to her to see her Rival elevated to the same degree of honour that she had fixed her hopes upon, and nothing appeared difficult for her to enterprise, whereby she might pull her down.  
In the Interim the young Queen was with Child, and was delivered of a Daughter who was afterwards that famous Princess Queen Elizabeth.  
The Divorce was so far from being confirmed by the Pope, that it was declared void at Rome, where King Henry was sentenced to retake his Queen, upon penalty of Excommunication in case he refused. 'Twould be in vain here to repeat the whole Series of a matter so well known: The grief of Queen Katherine was very violent, for she had hoped, that after the King had satisfied his love, he would be reduced by reason; but when she saw him persevere, she gave herself up to discontent, and fell into a distemper, whereof she died.  
She wrote such tender and smart things to the King, that he was touched with some Remorse for his unjust dealing with her. She left him one Daughter, who was afterwards Queen Mary.  
Norris sought by all means to keep in the King's favour, but he had an Interest to manage: His heart was strongly fixed upon the Queen, but the King's Constancy to her, robbed him ever of his hopes to discover his passion to her: He knew the King was capable of new amours, and he took a great deal of care to make him observe the beauty of a young Lady that waited upon the Queen; insomuch that he perceived the King was insensibly smitten with her; a full and quiet possession oftentimes pawls the Appetite of the most passionate Lover, and the enjoyment most commonly is sufficient to obliterate the merit of the Person. Thus whilst the Queen performed her duty, faithfully loving the King, and forcing herself to forget unfortunate Piercy, Love revenged Blunt, and prepared misfortunes for the Queen, from which nothing could secure her.  
Although her Beauty was nothing diminished by Marriage, the King could not forbear following his Inclinations for unconstancy, and became amorous of Jane Seymour. The perfidious Norris, who was the occasion hereof, pretends to make himself meritorious of the Queen's Favour hereby, and acquaints her with the King's new Amours, in hopes to please her therewith: She told him that since his Majesty had been pleased to honour her with his tenderness, and rendered her Condition so glorious, he was not obliged to confine all his Affections to her Person; and she should be so far from perplexing herself with an incommodious Jealousy, that she should be joyful to see him search his satisfaction.  
Norris expounded the Queen's discourse to his particular sense, he believed that she did not love the King, and that her indifference had caused her thus to speak. Your Majesty has reason, said he, thus to despise his injustice, and you will have no less reason to use him with the same unconstancy: Thus your Majesty ought to revenge your Beauty, and you cannot do amiss herein, since he hath given you a Precedent: If I had so great a share in your Majesty's esteem, as I have passion for your Interests, I should take the liberty to tell your Majesty— If I had the least esteem for you, replied the Queen coldly, and you should have a real zeal for me, it should be neither your Friends nor your Counsels, that should regulate my Conduct: I know the King's Goodness, and shall never recede from the acknowledgement and respect I owe him; I do not penetrate the reasons that oblige you to speak this, be more discreet for the future, and do not force me to Advertise the King that you betray his Secrets.  
The Queen left Norris in despair, at the ill success of his Infidelity; the King's new Inclination was not long kept secret, Blunt was immoderately overjoyed at it, hoping that if she could chase Anne Bullen from the King's Heart, she might also easily dethrone her, where she could not look upon her without extreme Grief. The tenderness she had for the Viscount Rochefort was utterly blotted out, by his keeping the Marriage of his Sister as a secret from her, and never acquaint her with it; and she spared not to sacrifice him, so that she might but destroy his Sister who was her Rival. She had so good intelligence at Court, and had so Wedded herself to Fortune, that she had power to act greater things than any other: She knew that it was now high time to second the indifference that the King began to have for the Queen, and she caused a hundred things to be published against the Virtue of this Princess, who, though she kept not the least Correspondence with Piercy, they did not stick to say that she saw him every day, and retained a great kindness for him: The fury of this enemy proceeded yet farther, and she reported in several places, that Viscount Rochefort was passionately in Love with the Queen his Sister, and received favour enough from her. These noises were spread abroad every where, and Tales which never lose any thing in carriage, were now augmented according to the old Custom. These Reports reached the King, who the rather gave ear to them to Authorize his Change, than that he thought there was any truth in them.  
Piercy had seen her sometimes after she was Queen, but had his Passion been never so earnest to have entertained her with Discourse, it was impossible for him to succeed in it. But Destiny once granted him this advantage at Greenwich: The Queen was sitting there one Evening in a green Arbour, which gave a prospect of the Thames, and Piercy's Melancholy conducted him to the same place, not dreaming what he should meet there.  
The Queen was meditating upon the unhappy state of her Condition, who though she had no extraordinary passion for the King, she had yet so much, as to create in her a most sensible subject of Grief for his Unconstancy. She was looking toward the River side when Piercy came into the Arbour, and he knew not who she was at present, till at the noise of his coming in she turned herself, and then notwithstanding the obscurity, they perceived each other.  
The Queen being alone would have gone away, but Piercy, with a little earnestness stayed her: Ah! Madam, said he, casting himself at her feet, refuse not one moment of your Presence to a man, whose grief for the loss of you, hath reduced to a condition that deserves your pity. If what you ask could be capable to re-establish your Repose, replied the Queen, I should grant it with pleasure; but Piercy, you can be never the happier for it, but will become the more criminal; we live under those Laws that leave us not to ourselves, why do you solicit me to pursue a weakness, which can do you no service? Will you then command me to renounce all manner of hopes, interrupted Piercy, and give me leave to persuade myself, that your hatred makes you act thus: I know the difference that there is now betwixt your rank and mine, and that perhaps I commit a great error in saying I ever love you, but I can never forget that equality of sentiments which heretofore united us: Can it be possible that so much of that passion should continue in my heart, and that nothing of it should remain in yours? I acknowledge that I have deserved my misfortune, but you have formerly found me worthy of ●our tenderness, and the Remorse ●hat my Crime hath cost me, ought ●n some measure to expiate it. If I hated you, replied the Queen, I should take less care to avoid you, ●t is the inclination I have for you, ●hat obliges me to shun you: I know ●y self, Piercy, and that I am not proof against your sighs, they have heretofore composed all the happiness of my life, perhaps at this time ● should be but too sensible of them; I have Enemies that have a vigilant eye upon me, and the least failure may attract the greatest miseries, which would make you despai● to have caused me: Quit me the● indispensably tied to what I owe th● King. But he betrays you, interrupted Piercy, and Seymour enjoys him entirely. His proceeding may afflict me, added the Queen but ought not to make me incurr● Gild. So I ought not to hope, sai● Piercy, that Love will do any thin● for me. 'Tis a passion, replyer the Queen, which can procure ●… nothing but misfortunes: Retire Piercy, I conjure you, for I hav● some presages of a direful Consequence, at this very moment that ●… speak to you, I feel my heart and my whole body to tremble, without knowing the least reason for it. I will obey you till death, replied Piercy most lamentably, and I hope when I have sought her, she will cut off the entail of all my miseries. At this the Queen could not forbear some tears. Piercy found great pleasure in looking upon her, but could not long enjoy it, she commanding him to retire.  
Fortune, who took Blunt's part, acted more for her than she could hope, and placed her near the Arbour where Piercy entertained the Queen; she failed not to empoison this innocent interview, which mere chance had caused. The King heard of this as well as others, the King, who aspiring at the liberty to indulge his new passion, gave strict order to observe the Queen, that so she might be convicted with any small matter: This hindered not, but as he loved his Pleasures, he published a famous Tilting at Greenwich, with Orders to all the Nobility to appear at it.  
The Queen, though very melancholy, and taking no delight in these sort of divertisements, was obliged to appear at them, but did with a great deal of negligence. The King would only be a Spectator of these Justs; Viscount Rochefort, the Queen's Brother, was Defiant, and Norris, the King's Favourite, was Defendant. All the young Lords had magnificent Equipages and gallant Devices; there came an innumerable crowd of English, and Strangers to Greenwich, the Thames was covered with guilded Barges, wherein the Ladies were to return to London, after the Solemnity was over. Blunt, who foresaw that this day would end most agreeably to her, was bedecked after an extraordinary manner, and filled one of the chief Balconies with her Attendants. Young Seymour, proud to see herself adored by the King, and to be the Subject of his Divertisements, took care to adjust what ever Art could contribute to her natural Beauty, and both Sexes this day drained the industry of the most dextrous Persons.  
Piercy, who had renounced all sorts of pleasures, and whose last Conversation with the Queen, had completed his despair, resolves (but with a direful design) to be one of the Tilters. He sought death, and the Kingdom being in peace, he resolved in this day of pleasure, to make no use of his own skill, but to suffer his Adversary to practise his skill upon him. Having taken this design, he gave Order for his Equipage to be all in black, only a little edged with Gold: The day of solemn Justs being come, they were began with much vigour; the Viscount Rochefort won much honour, and gained great advantages against the first that presented themselves, but it was much doubted he could not keep it when Piercy appeared, whose skilfulness they all knew. The Queen wept when she saw him; he was so pre-occupied with his design, that he never regarded the different Objects placed round about him: His first Encounter against the Viscount Rochefort was very fine, they began the second, and Piercy, whose despair carried him away, run himself upon the Viscount's Lance, which entered him for want of his Armour, and made him fall with a deep wound. This misfortune was followed with a general cry. The Viscount Rochefort who had done it undesignedly and against his intention, run presently to Piercy, who lost a great deal of blood, and was followed by many friends of the wounded; but whilst thus so many people showed the affection they had for Piercy, the Queen demonstrated hers by more evident persuasions. The sight of Piercy's blood had chilled all hers, and a mortal grief robbed her of her Soul, and that Love which was lodged in her heart, in spite of all her attacks to chase it thence, made her feel his power at this time more than in the whole course of her life; she had not strength to resist so cruel a blow, but fell down in a swound into the arms of the Duchess of Suffolk who was near her.  
This second accident concluded the trouble of the Solemnity. The King found matter of perplexity and rage herein, which obliged him to retire into his Palace at Greenwich, where the Queen was also brought, whilst on the other side care was taken of Piercy's preservation, which appeared at present very uncertain. The King was no sooner alone, but he made reflections upon this adventure; the Rumours which the cruel Blunt had sowed of Viscount Rocheforts love for the Queen, and of the continuance of her tenderness for Piercy, passed for current in his opinion; he believed that Rochefort having heard of the conversation the Queen had with Piercy one evening in the Garden at Greenwich, was agitated with jealousy, and intended rather to kill Piercy, than to conquer him, and the Queen's grief sufficiently demonstrated her love. The King was making observations upon his first Resentments, whilst an Officer came in to him, and presented him with a Letter he had taken up at the Lists which he knew to be Norris his writing, wherein he read these words.  
I am more enamoured with the Queen than ever any person was; when I acquainted you the first time at Callais of my Inclination for her, I did not believe it was able so far to transport me. Pity the Condition wherein I am, and make some Vows in favour of a passion, which must certainly kill me, unless it find some encouragement.  
This knowledge of a third Lover of the Queens, made the King absolutely to determine to shiver them, and it was no small surprise to see the Queen's Barge stopped in returning to London, from which she was taken out and sent to the Tower, with Vis-Count Rochefort, and Norris.  
But how great was the joy of Blunt, when she saw the disgrace of her Rival? she promised herself that the Queen's first going out of the Tower, should be to the Scaffold, and she prepared herself to act a terrible part in this Tragedy.  
Immediately were published some of the Reasons, which the King said he had to complain against the Queen, whereupon she was severely examined, but nothing could be found capable to condemn her. She looked upon this as a return of the same fortune that had raised her to that height, and saw that it was the King's inconstancy alone that had caused it. The affection she had retained for Piercy was innocent enough to hinder her from blushing, though all the World were privy to it, and as for her Brother and Norris she could not comprehend the meaning of it.  
She submitted to the King's Orders without suffering the least murmur against his injustice to escape out of her mouth, and protesting that she was innocent, she was careful to spare him, only accusing her own misfortune of her ill treatment.  
But although she appeared so reserved to the public, she did not forbear to give her grief a liberal current, when the Lords arrested and carried her to the Tower. The remembrance of her first Engagements with Piercy, and the sweet correspondence that created them so many happy days, now returned fresh into her Imagination; she considered that the King had been the only interrupter of that blessed Estate, and that his Love in pretending to raise her to a Throne, had been the sole foundation of all her miseries; she detested the condition of a Queen, and the memory of Woolsey, who had ruined her by his Artifices.  
The Viscount Rochefort could not in the least imagine what should be the cause of his imprisonment, he accused the King's new passion of it, and judged that his Sister's misfortune was only the effect of her Husband's levity, and that fortune who had made him participate in her favour, would involve him in her troubles. The Intricacies he had had with Blunt, and his knowledge of her aversion to the Queen made him despair of her assistance, neither did she employ her cruelty against him, for his own sake.  
As for Norris, who some days before saw himself in that happy State, that contracted the envy of all the Courtiers, and having himself carried on the Intrigue betwixt Seymour and the King, much less apprehended such a return as should wholly overwhelm him at one instant, not imagining that a Letter which he had written to an old Confident of his, concerning his secret passion for the Queen, should happen into the King's hands; however that was not the only cause of his disgrace, for the King in reading that, called to mind what he had heard him speak in going from the Ball at Callais.  
But whilst these three persons expected the event of this Affair, all the Court interessed themselves herein differently. The King possessed with his new amours, gave himself up entirely to those pleasures wherewith his inconstancy flattered him, and the Queen's imprisonment hindered him not from prostrating himself at Seymours feet.  
Blunt would have sacrificed all things to have recalled him to her, she employed all her Charms, and Craft to succeed herein, but seeing all was labour lost, and although she knew that in destroying the Queen, she did but labour to advance Seymour, yet she chose rather to serve that Rival of hers that revenged her, than she who stole the King's Heart from her, without this there had not been the least appearance of justice in her cruelty, and her bloody incompassionate Soul, furnished her with means for the most black and horrid infidelities.  
As the Viscount Rochefort had most passionately loved her, he often wrote to her in the height of their Correspondence, but to hide that commerce which some lost Letter might discover, he styled her Sister: She conveys two of the most tender of these Letters into the Queen's Closet, in seducing by her interest those who had opportunity to do it, and never hesitated to destroy a person whom she had adored, to be revenged of her Rival. The King searched all the Queen's papers, amongst which he found these two Letters of Blunts which were written in these terms.  
LETTER I.  
You know well, dearest Sister, that I love you in so passionate a manner, that I should prefer the advantage of pleasing you above all the Fortunes of the Universe; and I shall esteem myself the most happy of all men, if I could but one day make you forget the King; I possess neither his rank nor his merit, but I have more love and more fidelity than he; make trial thereof, and you shall find my words are as sincere as my heart.  
LETTER II.  
The King beheld you yesterday with so great application, that I am alarmed thereat; you promised that you would have no amorous aspects for any person but myself, and yet I see you seek his with too much diligence: I avow to you, dearest Sister, that I am jealous of you; have I deserved that you should break your word with me, and will you renounce those bounties which I have had reason to praise? Manage yourself with the King, since Fortune will have it so, but remember that all your tenderness is due to me, and that a few happy minutes are not sufficient for the repose of my life, and that I expect a continuance of your favours, to assure me of the possession of your heart.  
All that was in these two Letters, might very well be supposed as written to the Queen; and the King had no sooner read them but felt himself transported with present revenge; but considering at length that he was obliged to keep some measures herein, he gave order that the Queen's Process, Viscount Rochefort's, and Norris', should be drawn up according to the usual forms: His passion for Seymour, and some little remorse for Queen Katherine, destroyed all the small pity wherewith Anne Bullen could inspire him, and though she was much more amiable than any thing that he could ever love, nothing interceded more for her, but that destiny which caused her loss, created greater woes, and suffered them to Reign.  
As soon as the Queen had notice that her Process was forming, she wrote to the King; not thinking to make him relent, but in some measure to justify herself; she had much stability, and was little desirous of life, and considering how much fortune had traversed her, and what a train of miseries were mixed with her favours, she found that death was a slight pain, and an assured refuge from all sorts of misfortunes, and in this meditation she wrote thus to the King.  
TO THE KING.  
SIR,  
I Write not to your Majesty in hopes of obtaining any favour for myself, but I am obliged to assure you before I die, that I am much more sensible at the remembrance of your favours, than the injuries you do me at present; and though you treat me as a Criminal, I do not forbear to acknowledge my obligations to you, and to call to mind that I once had the advantage to enjoy your heart, and participate your Throne; that from a condition much inferior to yours, you have exalted me to a fortune worthy the highest persons in the world, and now at last you are going to place me in that glorious state, from which all the Furies of envy shall never be able to remove me: No, Sir, the utmost you can do can never put it out of the memory of man, that I have been a woman most passionately Loved by the greatest Prince of the Universe. 'Tis this advantage that secures my Constancy, which has been proof against all my disgraces: Complete then what you have resolved, I shall die without complaining of you, but upon the Trial you expose me to, suffer not my Adversaries to be my Judges. I leave you a young Princess, who perhaps one day may be as unhappy as I am, if you take not compassion on her: Remember that I was dear unto you when she came into the world, and that she deserves not with so much innocency to inherit the hatred you have at present for me. After this live happily: I do earnestly desire, that the knowledge of my innocent Conduct may never interrupt or disturb your tranquillity, and for a recompense of those felicities you are now going to procure me, I heartily pray you may enjoy perpetual ones. Adieu Sir. Once more I recommend to your Bounty, the Princess Elizabeth.  
Anne Bullen.  
This Letter which in all appearance ought to have made some impression upon the King's heart, wrought no such effect; he was wholly occupied with the desire of possessing Seymour, and the Queen was now forced to despair of his Heart, he shut his eyes to every thing might favour her, and fixed them only on what could ruin her; he was persuaded that Piercy was passionately loved by her, and the Letters which the perfidious Blunt had produced, left him no place to doubt of her guilt, he believed that jealousy was the only cause that made Piercy engage with the Viscount Rochefort, and that their design in coming to the solemn Justs, was to fight in earnest. Norris his Letter was yet a farther subject of disquiet, and if the Queen was kind to Piercy, and received her own Brother into the number of her Gallants, it might justly be believed that Norris being young, handsome, and extreme amorous, was not ill treated by her.  
These persons that were friends to Seymour, Confederates with Blunt, and some ingrateful ones whom the Queen had favoured, conspired together to destroy her: She was accused before the Dukes of Norfolk, Suffolk, and some other Peers, and constrained to plead for herself, all the world having thus abandoned her. She defended her innocence in a most persuasive manner, and explained herself with extraordinary moderation in respect of the King, and testified an entire resignation to his pleasure.  
But notwithstanding the force of her defences, she was brought in guilty, and condemned to lose her Head, together with the Viscount Rochefort and Norris, who in a few days saw all his favour and the fairest hopes in the world to expire in a shameful death.  
The Queen heard her Sentence with a most surprising constancy, and no woman did ever manifest a greater grandeur of Soul, insomuch that they who would have comforted her, had greater need of consolation themselves. I receive this Death to which my Judges (said she to them) by his Majesties Will have condemned me, as an addition to his former bounties, and I have lived long enough to learn to die with Constancy: I do protest that I quit this life without regret, and that it has been too grievous to me to make it desirable: Tell his Majesty if you please, that he has no reason to blush for having loved me, that I have acted nothing to render me unworthy that honour to which he was pleased to raise me: Tell him, that I have honoured him as my Prince, and loved him as my Husband; and I call Heaven to witness before you, that I have never failed in my duty to him, neither as his Subject, nor as his Wife. Add to this, I conjure you, that I am so far from murmuring at his severity, that I believe him too just to have hated me without cause, and condemned me without reason, and I only accuse those enemies, which his former bounties have raised me, of my misfortunes. I leave him a Daughter which is most dear to me, because she has the honour to be of his blood. I hope he will take pity on her youth, that my misfortunes will not disturb her Infancy, and that besides the tenderness he owes to her, she may still find in him what she loses in me. I retain neither hatred nor resentment against any of those who have betrayed me, and if any thing can trouble the tranquillity of my soul, 'tis the grief I have for being the cause of my Brother 's death. After these words and some tokens of remembrance for those that had served her, she disposed herself for Death with the same courage. The Viscount Rochefort showed a little more weakness, and inveighed against the King and the Judges, he had truly loved the Queen his Sister, but no farther than the ties of blood and her virtue obliged him, he deplored the misfortune of this Princess, and moved the hearts of people that heard him.  
Nothing appeared in Norris, but passion and despair, but who can express, that of Piercy, for from the time of the Tournaments at Greenwich he had heard nothing of what passed, till one of his Servants indiscreetly told him of this dismal adventure of the Queens, at which his Wounds opened again, and a torrent of blood issued out at this emotion, which put him into a relapse of his first weakness, to which a Fever joining made him lightheaded; and thinking he always saw the Queen dying, he spoke many things which testified the condition of his heart, and the disorder of his reason; he would fain have leapt out of his bed and run to the succour of this Princess, but if they had not opposed this design he had not strength to execute it.  
In the mean time, the King was not without some opposition, the affair in agitation caused him some troubles which he could in no wise avoid, but his passion for Seymour soon dispersed them, and no sooner was he touched with some remorse, but his fickle heart extinguished all its force.  
The Queen was beheaded in the Tower, to avoid that murmur which pity often excites amongst the multitude upon those sad occasions: But although this cruel Action was executed in a private manner, there were many persons whom a barbarous curiosity obliged to be Spectators: Blunt failed not to be present at the place where she promised herself so great pleasure; she appeared there with the same splendour as if it had been a gallant Festival, she was so obdurate as to display the magnificence of her Apparel in the face of a mourning Scaffold, and a doleful assembly wholly invested with tears and grief.  
The Queen appeared with the same Grace that was constantly admired in her, her Countenance was undisturbed, and nothing could be seen in her Visage but Security and Majesty; she was Veiled all over with Mourning, and in the midst of all these dismal objects, her Looks which were cast upon all her spectators, infused grief and despair into all their hearts: Even Blunt herself, that fierce and implacable Enemy of the Queen's, now felt that guilt hath its limits, and that fear and trembling are constantly its Attendants, the constancy of the Princess made her to shiver, and she could not hinder herself from considering that she was the cause of all those evils: These reflections wrought a beseeming pensiveness upon her, and if her eyes had been examined, they would have been found much more troubled than the Queen's. The Maids of Honour to this Princess were extreme disconsolate, she exhorted them oftentimes to be constant according to her example, and seeing the Executioner attended only her order, she spoke in particular to her Divine, and afterwards addressed herself to all that could hear her.  
As I die your Queen, said she, and the Artifices of Envy cannot bereave me of that quality, although they have robbed me of the King's tenderness which was much more dear unto me; I am joyful that I can assure ye in the last moments of my life, that I have never dishonoured him either in my Actions or Thoughts, but in protesting my own innocence to ye, I do not pretend to render his Majesty criminal, I do declare that I have great cause to extol him, and his great favours to me, do sufficiently persuade that without most powerful reasons he had never abandoned me to so deplorable a Fortune: I die without repining, imitate my stayedness, and pardon yours as I do mine Enemies, and let that pity which my misfortunes can create in you, be declared in the favour of a little Princess, whom I leave to the Kingdoms, and who is now going to be left to the hatred of the King her Father, and to the cruelty of those who have destroyed me: Her Birth is illustrious, and although my Blood is not so noble as the Kings, yet at least it merits the esteem and protection of honest people: Assist one day (if there be occasion) those legitimate Rights which her Condition hath given her. I recommend her in general to the People, to the Nobility and Gentry, and in particular to all those who are concerned at my misfortune: After this I die, praying for Prosperity to the King, and Peace and Plenty to his Kingdoms. After these words she turned her last thoughts towards Heaven, and received her Death like a true Heroine: Blunt beheld her Head severed from her Body with horror, to which was joined a more sensible amazement, when she saw the Viscount Rochefort appear.  
She had loved him as far as her ambition was able to permit her, the deplorable Condition wherein he was, his innocence which she so well knew, and his sad and languishing Countenance gave her most mortal stabs to the very heart. He fixed his eyes upon her, and reserving a large proportion of kindness for her, (notwithstanding all her Intrigues) he sighed at the remembrance of their former pleasures, and not being able to comprehend that a person whom he had adored, should come to be an eye-witness of his death, and of a death of this nature, he expressed to her by his dying looks, the astonishment that her cruelty had caused him, he uttered many sighs which reached Blunt's ears, and Pierced her heart, which till then had been impenetrable; in her seeing the fatal blow given to the Viscount Rochefort, she felt all the injustice he suffered; remorse bereft her of her soul, a mortal paleness spread itself over all her face, and not being able to continue longer upon this dismal place, she was carried off before the Execution of Norris, which followed the Queen's and Viscount Rochefort's.  
The King heard the news of this Catastrophe not without some confusion, and was inclinable to have been touched therewith, but flatterers, who always make it their chief business to extol the weaknesses of Kings, soon stifled these motions, and exhorted his Majesty to be resolute; wherein they so well succeeded, that the Queen was scarcely expired, but he married Jane Seymour. His Constancy for this Queen was of longer continuance than her life, she died within a year after the marriage, in Childbed with Prince Edward.  
The fury of Queen Anne's Enemies was extended even to her Daughter, and they obliged the King to declare Queen Anne's Marriage null as he had that of Queen Katherine's, and the two Princesses, Mary and Elizabeth, to be illegitimate.  
After the Queen's death, Piercy lived but a few languishing days, and wanted incredible strength to hinder the effects of his resentment; he quitted the Court, and sought for employments answerable to the sad state of his condition. As for Blunt, she was punished for all her crimes by the King's constant inconstancy, and by the death of her Son, upon whom she had laid the foundation of so great hopes, and to whom Fortune had decreed such glorious advantages: She died suffering that misery her cruelties had justly deserved, being despised by the King, and hated by all the world.  
Queen Anne was generally bewailed, and notwithstanding all that her enemies have been able to speak against her, many sage Persons who knew her virtue, have conserved a just veneration for her memory, and have inspired the same sentiments into succeeding Ages: She was not only Beautiful, Generous, and Benificent, but was endowed with a true and real wisdom, and was altogether worthy of that Grandeur to which she was raised. The Princess Elizabeth her Daughter, who now Governs England with so great splendour and glory, inherits her Virtue as well as the Crown, which is her undoubted right.  
The Queen who had retired into her Apartment, to give the Earl of Northumberland an entire liberty to relate the several interests which gave the occasion to that cruel Spectacle, or rather perhaps to spare herself the grief of hearing the recital of those things wherein she was obliged to take so great a part; no sooner learned that the History of Anne Bullen her Mother, was ended, but she returned to the Company; where perceiving that every one to make their Court, was preparing to condole the destiny of this Princess, whose Innocence, Misfortunes, and the Cruelty of her Enemies appeared so worthy to be lamented: She believed it was sufficient to have made them comprehend, that all the Calumnies invented and spread abroad against the honour of the Queen her Mother, were only mere invectives form by her Enemies, or by those who acted the greatest part in this Tragedy. Wherefore without dwelling longer upon a subject which she was too sensible of, she promised them that at her return she would relate a History to them, whose Subjects and grand Events which composed it, should at least appear to them of as great curiosity as this they had already heard; but as it was already late, she thought it convenient to defer it till the morrow.  
The Company being accordingly met by her Order, she told them the following Story, which is, The History of Bassa Solyman and the Princess Eronima, being the second and last Part of Queen Elizabeth's Novels, now in the Press, and will be Printed next Term.  
FINIS.   

A Catalogue of some Books, Printed and Sold at the Pope's Head in the New Exchange in the Strand.  

Folio.  
AN Institution of general History, or the History of the World, by William Howel, L. L. D. in two Vol.  
Historical Collections, or an exact Account of the proceedings of the four last Parliaments of Queen Elizabeth, of famous memory.  
Pharamont Complete, English.  
Clelia, a Romance, English.  
Parthanissa, English.   

Quarto.  
An Historical Relation of the first discovery of the Isle of Madera.  
The Protestant Religion is a sure Foundation, etc. by the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Derby.  
The Jesuits Policy to suppress Monarchy, by a Person of Honour.  
A Warning-piece for the Unruly, in two Visitation Sermons at Preston, by Seth Bushel, D. D.  
The great efficacy and necessity of good Example, especially in the Clergy, in a Visitation Sermon at Ga●lford, by Thomas Duncomb, D. D.  
A Sermon Preached before the King, by Miles Barn, Chaplain in Ordinary to the King.  
A Sermon Preached at the Assizes at Lancaster, by Henry Pigot, B. D.  
God's Revenge against Murder, demonstrated in the prosecution of Henry Symbal and William Jones, Executed for the murdering Sir Rich. Samford.   

Plays.  
The Rivals, a Comedy.  
Catiline.  
Island Princes.  
Flora's Vagaries.  
Town Shifts.  
Citizen turned Gentleman.  
Morning Ramble.  
Macbeth.  
Cambyses.  
Empress of Morocco.  
Herod and Mariam.  
Notes on the Empress of Morocco.  
Conquest of China●  
Ibrahim  
Pastor fido.  
Love and Revenge.  
Female pre-eminence, or the Life and Death of Pope Joan.  
Fatal Love, or forced Inconstancy.  
Careless Lovers.  
English Princes.  
Reformation.  
Spanish Rogue.  
Marcelia.  
The Mall.  
The Rehearsal.  
Mock Tempest.  
Dumb Lady.  
Gentleman Dancing Master.  
Alcibiades.  
Dutch Lovers.  
Pysa's Conspiracy.  
Siege of Memphis.  
Rival Kings.  
Constant Nymph.  
Wrangling Lovers.  
Tom Essence.  
French Conjurer.  
Wits led by the Nose.  
Counterfeit Bridegroom.  
Tunbridge Wells.  
Man of New Market.  
The Conspiracy, or Change of Government.  
The Revenge, or the Match in New gate.   

Octavo and Twelves.  
Spanish History, or the differences that happened in the Court of Spain, between Don John of Austria and Cardinal Nitard, with all the Letters and politic Discourses relating to those Affairs.  
Reflections upon Ancient and Modern Philosophy.  
The English Princess, or the Duchess Queen, a pleasant Novel.  
Court Songs and Poems being an exact Collection.  
The Temple of Death, with other Poems, by a Person of Honour.  
Hogan Moganides, or the Dutch Hudibras.  
Liquor Achahest, or the immortal dissolvent of Paracelsus and Helmont, etc.  
Philosophical Essay, ot the History of Petrification, by Dr. Shirley.  
Guilm, Herrari de Bello Batavico.  
Westminster Quibles, very pleasant.  
The Amours of Count Dunois, a witty Novel.  
Said, or the Spanish History, a pleasant Novel.  
Mazarine's Memoires, a Novel.  
two witty Novels. 

Penitent Hermit  
Englis Monsieur.    
Clark's Manual, a Book of Precedents.  
Sanders his Astrological Physic.  
Anima Mundi, or an Historical Narration of the Opinion of the Ancients concerning man's Soul after this Life, according to unenlightned Nature.  
History of the Palace Royal, or the Amours of Mademoiselle de la Valliere.  
The Amours of Madam and Count de Guiche.  
A Copy of two Journal Books of the House of Commons, in which is the whole History of the late horrid Plot  
The Wits paraphrased, or Paraphrase upon Paraphrase, in a Burlesque, on the several Translations of Ovid's Epistles.    

Books Printed for Mark Pardoe, at the Raven over against Bedford House in the Strand.  

I I. Becoeri D. De nova temporis Dimetiendi Ratione, & Accurata Horologiorum constructione Theoria & Experientia. Quarto.  
I. I. Becheri Minera Arenaria, Perpetua sive Prodromus Historiae seu Propositionis prae D. D. statibus Hollandiae ab Authore factae circa auri Extractionem mediante A●ena Littorali per modum Minerae perpetuae seu Operationis magnae fusoriae cum emolumento scriptum: hoc inservire poterit Lectori pro continuatione Irifoliis Hollandici & supplementi tertii in Authoris Physicam subterraneam. Quarto.  
Elements of Speech, an Essay of Inquiry into the natural production of Letters with an Appendix concerning Persons Deaf and Dumb●; by William Holder, D. D. Fellow of the R. Society, Octavo.  
New Experiments upon Vipers, with exquisite Remedies that may be drawn from them as well for the cure of their Bitings as for that of other maladies: Also a Letter of Francisco Redi, concerning some objections made upon his Observations about Vipers, written to Monsieur Bourdelot and Mr. Alex. Morus, together with the sequel of new Experiments upon Vipers, in a Reply to a Letter written by Sign F. Redi, by Mr. Charas, Octavo.  
The Intrigues of the Court of Rome for these seven or eight years past, Octavo.  
Plain Man's way of Worship and Practice, the fifth Edition with Additions, as well as Emendations, Twelves.   
FINIS.   

The Novels of ELIZABETH, Queen of ENGLAND.  
Containing the HISTORY OF BASSA SOLYMAN, AND The Princess ERONIMA.  
The Last Part.  
Englished by Spencer Hickman.  
LONDON, Printed by E. T. and R. H. for Mark Pardow, at the Black Raven over against Bedford-House, in the Strand. 1681.   

The Novels of ELIZABETH, Queen of ENGLAND, etc.  
NO person is ignorant of that bondage whereunto Jealousy subjects all the Women of the East, but particularly those who live in the Seraglio of the Ottoman Emperors, the customs thereof are so severe, that they are all treated like Slaves, though not all equally beloved. There the inhuman Eunuches tyrannize over their most innocent actions, and the old Governesses have a continual eye upon them; and whereas they all have but the affections of one single man to merit, this causes envy to reign with perpetual Intrigues; thus oftentimes betwixt constraint and love are created strange Adventures.  
Those of Mahomet the Second, surnamed the Great, are illustrious, Victory attended all his Erterprises, he conquered the Empires of Greece and Trebizond, subjected twelve Kingdoms, and gained thirty two Battles, notwithstanding he had the Comnenes, the Scanderbegs, the Paleologues and the Huniades to his Enemies: yet all his ambition for Glory, hindered him not from being more inclinable to Women than any of his Predecessors.  
His first inclinations were declared in savour of Racima, a Turk by Nation, who as she was endowed with no less ambition and Subtlety than of Beauty (being by the birth of Bajazet advanced to the chief Glory of the Empire) she managed her credit in showering down her Favours at the Port, made herself many creatures by establishing their fortunes, and conserved an absolute Sovereignty over the heart of Mahomet, till the taking of Negropont.  
A young Grecian Lady being made a Captive in this Island, inspired the Emperor with new Flames, and Racima unfortunately lost that Empire she had so long time enjoyed peaceably; but the beautiful Captive opposed the passion of Mahomet with so obstinate a resistance, that he found in himself a necessity of loving her without the least hopes of conquering.  
Her arrival at the Seraglio alarmed all those that pretended to the Sultan's Heart; her Beauty caused Racima particularly to tremble, and jealousy immediately rendered Eronimas odious unto her, who in having the misfortune to please contrary to her inclination, had the ill luck to contract so dangerous an Enemy.  
Yet was it not the fear thereof that disturbed the tranquillity of her life, an innocent tenderness was a greater cause of her Griefs, than the fear of a Rival, whom the whole Seraglio dreaded.  
Bassa Solyman by his extraordinary Merit and considerable Services had gained her affections. The cruel Laws of the Seraglio sentenced them never to see each other; and as it was dangerous for the fair Captive, or the amorous Bassa, to give the least intimation of their thoughts, so the constraint of hiding their very sighs cost them continual grievances.  
Solyman was a man the most amiable, and of the most general esteem in the world, his Birth was very illustrious amongst the Turks, he had signalised himself in a most glorious manner in all the Affairs of the Empire, the Emperor distinguished him from others by a most particular consideration: and there was no person in Constantinople who had a greater number of real Friends than himself.  
All these advantages how considerable soever they might be, were of less moment to him than the interest of his love; and although Eronima promised her perseverance, he feared the ordinary returns of an age easy to be persuaded, and that Mahomet might in a short time overcome a resistance supported without hopes, which made him live in a most deplorable languish, which he withstood almost a year, seeking some consolation in the confidence of a Friend; but having a thousand times vainly endeavoured to see Eronimas, or at least to write to her; he at last resolved to hazard the secret of his Love.  
The access to the Seraglio of the Women was so difficult, that it was impossible for him to approach it without exposing himself to terrible Events. The prodigious number of Guards without, and the active observation of the Eunuches within, utterly destroyed all his Erterprises, these difficulties appeared somewhat less dangerous on that side next the Gardens; and Solyman being in a strict bond of Friendship with the Bostangi Bassa, or chief Gardener, resolved to discover to him the whole mystery of his heart.  
Morat possessed this Office, which is one of the most considerable in the Empire, and that which gives a man, above all others, the greatest liberty with the Emperor; and Solyman hoping for some succour by the privileges of the grand Gardener, sought him out as soon as ever he had taken this resolution; and living with him in that intimacy which made them neglect the regularity of Visits, and the pleasantness of the Wether favouring his design, they took a Walk together upon the Seaside.  
Solyman delayed not long without entering into a conversation of amorous interests, but not finding the grand Gardener to entertain the subject according to his desire, My dear Morat, said he to him, (stopping him) I conjure you to declare to me whether you have ever loved or not? this question for which the Bostangi Bassa was not prepared, made him to blush, having an Intrigue which he feared was now discovered, said he, why do you ask me this question? To unfold my heart to you, said Solyman, I am in love, and if ever you knew this passion by experience, you will have the greater indulgence for me. If Examples may be any thing beneficial to you, replied Morat, I must confess that I do love most tenderly. Pity me then, continued the Bassa, and give me your assistance at the same time; I love in the Seraglio, and not a Sultaness indifferent to the Emperor, but Eronimas who entirely possesseth his heart. Ha! said Morat, do you love Eronimas? and have you not foreseen the misfortunes which the Sultan's concurrence may bring upon you? Had I not known Eronimas, replied Solyman, till after Mahomet had set his affections upon her, I had not been perhaps more difficultly vanquished; but, Morat, my love preceded his, we are now alone, and I can in few words recount you the Story.  

The History of Bassa Solyman and the Princess Eronima.  
IT was in this very City, and in this same Palace which from hence we behold, that my passion commenced; but Morat, the time and state of Affairs were very different; then War laid all things desolate, now Peace is established; 'twas then the Capital City of the Paleologean Empire, as it is now of the Ottoman; there nothing appeared but objects of horror, here nothing but pleasantness: in short, it was at the Conquest of Constantinople, reserved for the happy destiny of Mahomet, that I saw Eronimas, and dedicated myself for ever to her.  
The Employ I had in that Attack which gained us the City, separated me oftentimes from the Emperor, and whilst the valour of Constantine withstood him at one of the Gates, we forced another, and marched towards the Palace, the Guards whereof being dismayed, rendered themselves at the sound of our Victory; I moderated the fury of the Turks to the utmost of my power, but was obliged to give way to its first Torrent.  
So soon as we were Masters of the entrance into the Palace, our victorious Troops pillaged all its Apartments: this commodious occupation was favourable to many of the Grecians, for those were suffered to fly who made no resistance, but the obstinate were cut to pieces; there the expiring Victims Groans were mixed with Shouts of the joyful Conquerors, and in this Confusion I failed not to succour the Women, and prevent that violence which might be committed upon them, and in the midst of many Grecian Carcases I found Eronimas covered with the Blood of those that died in her defence: this Rampart was too weak to secure her from the Soldiers Insolence, whereof she had found a direful proof, had not I just then arrived; I found her abandoned to all the rigour of a dismal Adventure; she was beautiful, though she endeavoured to hide it, and more prevailing against me than all the force of the Paleologues; her charms instantly made their utmost progress, and love (which destined me most cruel Sufferings) found not the least Obstacle in rendering her the sole Mistress of my Heart, and a presaging interest made me thoughtful of removing her from the sight of the Sultan. I made use of my authority over the Troops to dismiss them, and I contemplated Eronimas a long time without power to break silence, though the Grecian Language was as familiar to me as our own; she looked upon me as an Enemy whose power ought to give her fresh Alarms, and trembled at my approach; although I had thrown down my Scimitar, and returned my Poniard, and my eyes far from threatening any new misfortune, pronounced nothing to her but an assured Victory. She told me afterwards that grief having bereft her of her senses, she took me for a Barbarian who came to complete her disgrace; and in these thoughts retiring some few paces, Come not near Eronimas, cried she, unless thou comest to give me death; thou art not the first of thy Nation who would not spare my Sex, and this entertainment shall be more sweet to me, than any pity which can prolong my misfortune. These words full of resolution, augmented my love. Although I am born a Subject to Mahomet, said I, I am nothing the less disposed to render you all the Services you can demand; and in bearing Arms for my Prince, I shall never dishonour myself by committing cruelties. I am mortally grieved to have contributed towards your misfortune, and I would die in despair if I should not in some measure expiate the injury I have done you: I am a Bassa to Mahomet, and I have some favour in his sight, which I shall wholly employ for you; the reality of my words were confirmed to Eronimas by my sighs, which are not usual to Barbarous Souls. She considered me with a little more earnestness, and not finding me of that cruel aspect her fear had persuaded her to. If I have done you any injustice, said she, the condition you find me in hath sufficiently chastised me. I stand in need of a generous protection, and if my misery is capable to touch you with the least compassion, you have an opportunity to demonstrate it, in removing me from the sight of the Emperor, whom I dread more than death.  
I was overjoyed to see her disposed to shun Mahomet; the time was short, and as the Soldiers had left me at liberty with her, I charged Ibrahim, whose fidelity was well known to me to conduct her with some Women of her Retinue to a House adjoining to the Palace, which he had made himself Master of and having not opportunity to stay longer, I went to find the Emperor, who was entered the City after he had seen the last of the Paleologues expire.  
All possible order was taken this first night in Constantinople, the Janissaries had the Guard of the Gates, the rest of our Army guarded the Walls, and the Emperor took his Quarters in the Palace.  
But I found myself little sensible of the success of our Arms, it was Eronimas alone that wholly occupied my thoughts, and having contributed to her misfortunes, my love reproached me of those glorious Actions, for which I applauded myself before I saw her.  
So soon as I could part with the Emperor, I hasted to the House whereunto Ibrahim had conducted Eronimas; she welcomed me with much civility, and an admirable constancy, although she had heard the news of the Emperor of Greece his death, and the rest of the Princes of her Blood.  
If at the first sight she appeared beautiful to me, she appeared much more so at this time, her eyes were now less troubled, her countenance more serene, and her Habits put into greater order, added new charms unto her. I was now too amorous to conceal it, and in spite of all my reservedness, Eronima perceived what Mahomet's Conquests had cost me; my eyes were so tender and submissive, that what passion soever she observed in them could not hinder her from granting me the pleasure to behold the splendour of hers.  
She informed me then that she was Daughter to Demetrius Paleologus, Brother to the Emperor Constantine, that a dangerous sickness had detained him from going forth of Constantinople with his Imperial Family, where he was constrained to attend the success of this War; and after having spoken many obliging things to me, she conjured me to facilitate her escape to some Sanctuary where she might be secure.  
Imagine then how great my grief was to see her in this resolution of leaving me, I had enjoyed no further pleasure in her sight, than what made me sensible how contrary her desires were to the welfare of my life, and now that I must be forced to deprive myself of her sight for ever, or contract her hatred in opposing her retreat; here Love and Honour made a long engagement, till my particular interest yielded to the Princess' pleasure, and I resolved to suffer her departure, though at the price of my life, which I thought would expire with grief.  
The hours that I passed in her company served only to render me the more amorous of her, and she received my cares with great acknowledgement, but I observed that she suffered my visits not without some pain in a place where her conduct was not known, which consideration made me the rather determine to separate myself from her.  
As soon as Mahomet had secured his Authority from all manner of Insurrections in Constantinople, he caused all his treasure at Adrianople to be brought thither; and after orders being given to establish his Household, and beautify the Seraglio, he thought upon nothing more than seeking new Conquests.  
Though he communicated this design unto me, I wavered not to procure the departure of the Princess Eronima, this effort was not made without causing a great alteration in my person, which Eronimas perceiving, asked me obligingly what was the occasion thereof; I was overjoyed that she observed me so much as to take notice of it; and as nothing that can in the least flatter a Lover, escapes his imagination, I believed that at least in losing her, I might hope to be pitied by her.  
Madam, said I, the despair to which you see me reduced, is but the beginning of a condition yet more unhappy, since I am at the very point of losing you, and in all appearance for ever. What passion soever I may have, replied the Princess, for my liberty, if it costs you so dear, I shall renounce it with my whole heart. If you only wish for it, I continued, it is sufficient indispensably to engage me to procure it; but, Madam, if this Action can merit any thing from you, give me leave not to see you part without discovering the Secret of my Soul. I should have been less indiscreet, if it had been possible for me to die in your presence; you are going, Madam, to leave me, destined to all the rigours of absence, my fortune is not considerable enough to offer you, and you esteem me not worthy of fixing myself to yours. I discourse to you of my love for the first and last time of my life; and in spite of all the ardent sentiments I have for you, I will be the person who shall conduct you to the Vessel which is to convey you from Constantinople; and I will make sincere Vows and Prayers for the prosperity of your Voyage, which will possibly cause my death: not to exaggerate my unhappiness to you, thereby to draw acknowledgements from you which are not my due; I know too well that I have justly merited my misfortune, in contributing towards yours, but 'tis in some measure to oblige you to remember me with some pity. Although my Discourse was irregular, it had continued, had not the Princess interrupted me. The Sentiments whereof you speak, said she, have been too advantageous to me to find an ill reception, and I have no less reason, Sir, to complain than you, since there can be nothing more cruel to a generous Soul, than a necessity of appearing ungrateful; I know the value of my obligations to you, your merit is not less known to me; and can you believe I shall be able to enjoy any repose, so long as I must reproach myself with the loss of yours? I wish to Heavens! most generous Solyman, that you could penetrate the very bottom of a heart which never found any thing but yourself worthy its esteem, you would there discover that it is truly sensible, and incapable of forgetting what is due unto you; it is not just, that in removing myself from you, I should deprive you the advantages of your Victory, which I can assure you, without blushing, has extended beyond the Empire of Constantinople: believe then, that if that moment which separates us, prove bitter to you, I shall not find it more sweet; and that if I should hearken only to my inclination, I should follow the fortune which fastens you to the Ottoman Empire, or I should consent to see you allied with my own: but, Sir, what would the world say, to see the Daughter of Demetrius, a Princess who to be miserable, neither loses her name, nor family, follow a Bassa of Mahomet, or suffer him to wander with her from Sanctuary to Sanctuary? Ah! cruel point of Honour, said I, which I must purchase with so many woes: you shall depart, I will not follow you, Heaven shall decide the rest, and you may appoint what place you will be conducted to.  
Eronimas replied many obliging things to me, which served only to augment my grief: she acquainted me she had a design to retire herself towards the Western Emperor; and conjured me withal to hasten her departure, which I performed with as much diligence, as if it had been for my good fortune: at length she embarked one night under the conduct of two Grecians, whose liberty I had obtained, and some Women of hers who had not forsaken her.  
I have not force enough to tell you what I then did, nor what revolutions I had in my heart; my despair triumphed at Eronima's constancy, her looks appeared tender to me, she could not hide some sighs from me, I saw her weep: but, my dear Morat, she left me at the same instant, and all these favourable appearances served only to render her loss the more cruel unto me.  
I instantly resolved not to inform myself of her, hoping that her absence would assist my recovery; but when a person loves, it is impossible to judge of the time to come; my disquiet obliged me to send Ibrahim into the West, who made his Voyage in vain, and returned without the least intelligence of Eronimas; and I was divided betwixt despair, that some accident might arrive to him, and fancy that she had not contracted a real confidence in me.  
Other Conquests (whither I always carried my affection) succeeding that of Constantinople, Mahomet fixed his resolution upon that of Negropont; we found there an obstinate resistance, which cost the Emperor much time, and many men; the Venetians had sent thither very considerable Forces, which were prepared to receive us; but all this served only to make the Ottoman Triumph more glorious; and after the general Conquest of the whole Island, the ancient City of Calchis surrendered like the others, and the Emperor forced all that could oppose him.  
Before I had loved Eronimas I fought like a man who husbanded both his Honour and Fortune, but now I only sought occasions with a design to die; I precipitated myself with pleasure, where I saw any danger. And I protest to you, that my carelessness of life gave me no small share in this Victory; which having secured the Emperor's pretensions, and all things being quiet, he retired to the Palace, to enjoy a little repose after this Expedition. A continual succession of prosperities placed him in that happy state where pleasant Ideas make so deep an impression, when Orcam Bassa presented him with a fair Captive, whom he had taken at the Siege of Calchis. They who first saw her beheld her with admiration, and deplored her fortune, which destined her to the slavery of the Seraglio. But, Morat, do but conceive my astonishment, imagine my grief when I knew this Captive to be the same Eronimas whose absence had caused me so great Sufferings; I found her more beautiful than ever, but subjected to a misfortune, from which all the violence I had committed upon myself could not defend her; and I was the second time covered with the gore of her Defendants. Strait our eyes embraced each other with a mutual acknowledgement of love, in spite of all the troubles that oppressed us; but if mine expressed their tenderness by their glances upon the Princess, hers declared an absolute order, to do nothing that might betray us; the danger was great, which I feared not for my own part, neither perhaps did Eronimas for hers, nevertheless it behoved us to restrain ourselves, since the least discovery could produce nothing to us but most dismal effects.  
As Eronimas at first sight cancelled all that had hitherto taken possession of Mahomet's Heart, he became no sooner amorous, than jealous, and suffered us no long time to partake the pleasure of seeing her in his presence. The Princess was shut up in a place, by his order, whereunto none but Women and Eunuches had access, yet finding her too much exposed at Calchis, he sent her to Constantinople with all the precaution his love required, without any possibility of my seeing her.  
I understood at Calchis that she suffered Shipwreck upon the Coasts of that Island, and that the Governor thereof was smitten with her; and had used all his endeavours to make her sensible of his passion, and had detained her there contrary to her inclinations.  
But she had parted for Constantinople without leaving me the least subject of consolation, had not Ibrahim assured me he could deliver a Letter to her, which notwithstanding the great danger, I did run the risk, and it succeeded better than I durst hope for. Eronimas answered my Letter: the Contents whereof were these:  
To Eronimas.  
IF the fear of displeasing you did not exercise a greater power over me, than that of irritating the Emperor, I would either die at Calchis, or you should not enter into the Seraglio. But, Madam, I heard all that your eyes spoke to me, and the obedience I yield to them, is a new proof of my passion, which you ought to remember with some pity; lament the unfortunate man, who in losing you, loses all the tranquillity of his life; believe that my affection shall follow you to those places where the Sultan shall often make you an offering of his; and doubt not that I will search you in despite of all perils, were I but assured of your consent.  
Solyman then pulled out Eronima's Answer; and read it in these words.  
To Solyman.  
YOu had cast me into utter despair, had you not understood all that I would have spoken to you in the presence of Mahomet; your life was at stake, and it was too much f●… me to wish you should obey me. I have placed your moderation to account, and demand of you the continuance of those sentiments you have declared to me, they shall be my chief consolation in distress; but if therein you desire I should find pleasure without interruption, do not expose yourself to those hazards which may prove equally dreadful to us both, preserve yourself, if you have any kindness for my repose; I shall respect the Sultan and all his grandeur with so great indifference, that I shall wholly fix myself upon the remembrance of you.  
This, my dear Morat, continued the Bassa, was all that love has yet granted me by the management of Ibrahim. This mark of Eronima's bounty doth something alleviate my grief; the pleasure of believing myself beloved by her, does sometimes hinder me from falling into despair; but this is not sufficient to render me happy, Eronima is in the Seraglio, Mahomet is powerful, and who can be assured that she will always resist?  
Thus Solyman concluded his Discourse, and seeing the grand Gardener to be as it were in a dream, without speaking; Dost thou say nothing to me, Morat? continued me, And can all the power thou hast in the Gardens do nothing for me? If the Enterprise you would take in hand, replied the Bostangi-Bassa, did only expose my fortune, or my person, I should not hesitate to give you this counsel, since your satisfaction seems to be fastened to it: but Solyman, consider well into what perils it will engage Eronimas; the Emperor is generous, but he is also cruel without moderation when he is offended. The like Adventures have cost dear to some of our Office. The violences of Amurat were not so long since, but you may remember them: if examples in this nature cannot terrify you, nor the Ideas of punishment restrain you, represent to yourself Eronimas, expiring by poison, strangled by Mutes, or some more cruel ways of death. Cruel Friend, cried the Bassa, why dost thou depict so terrible a piece to me? no, no, I will put no confidence in my love, and I will rather die than expose Eronimas to the least of dangers.  
Solyman pronounced these words with so much grief, and in a manner so piercing, that Morat could not avoid pitying him; he was in love himself, and knowing all the force of this passion by experience, he resolved in spite of all that could possibly arrive, to engage himself in a commerce, the least knowledge whereof, must necessarily destroy all those that were concerned in it.  
I have not alleged these difficulties, to excuse myself from serving you, said he to his friend, embracing him, but I thought myself obliged to represent them to your view, that so you might undertake nothing without precaution; dispose then of all the interest my Office gives me; and perhaps too, said he, smiling upon him, the favour of some one Sultaness; be not sparing of my life or fortune, and believe that I am ready to undertake all things for you; I do not despair of giving you even your desired satisfaction, and I have a certain means to succeed in it.  
Solyman expressed his joy and thankfulness to Morat, by an infinite number of tender words. I would not propose your writing to Eronimas, said the grand Gardener, although I am sure I can deliver the Letter to her own hands, it would prove but an imperfect pleasure; and if it should happen to be lost, the events may be of fatal importance: but I will labour to let you see her, she comes not into the Gardens, whether it be, that she is more strictly observed than the rest, or that she loves not that walking, I know not: but I know a person who can make it agreeable to her. I can hide nothing from you, since you have thus opened your thoughts to me. I am in love with the Sultaness Bassima, Sister to the Emperor; she hath a great intimacy with Eronimas: another time I shall tell you more, but now 'tis time to go to the Seraglio; and it is sufficient that I tell you by what means I will serve you.  
Morat, by this discourse, restored Solyman's Spirits into a more tranquil condition than they had known of a long time; and the amorous Bassa relied wholly upon his promises.  
But whilst he flattered himself with the pleasures which the grand Gardener would give him, Love, who reigns in the Seraglio with greater Empire than in any part of the world, prepared new Adventures for him.  
Although the passionate cares of Mahomet could not shake Eronima's stability, the jealousy and hatred of Racima were not the less violent; she did not amuse herself with complaints and murmurings, but sought ways of revenge; by a powerful intrigue she drew in the Janissaries to her interest, and spread abroad reports amongst them, not sparing the Emperor's Glory, whatever might engage them to a dangerous revolt.  
This was not difficult for her to do. The Aga, or General of the Janissaries, was her Creature; 'twas Racima that advanced him from the Emperor's Chamber to this important charge; he had a natural inclination to infidelity, and every way proper to execute the fury of Racima. He then spoke aloud amongst the Janissaries, that it was a great shame for them to live in a detestable idleness, when they were capable of pretending to the conquest of the whole world: and in the end condemning the Amours of Mahomet, which buried the chief Glory of their Arms within the compass of the Seraglio. Thus he with ease excited those Spirits prone to mutiny.  
The Janissaries are the Sultan's Guards, who by their valour are distinguished far above his other Forces, and the good or ill fortune of the Ottoman Emperors always depends upon their Caprichio. Amurat the first instituted them, they are always about the number of twenty thousand of them at the Port of Constantinople, and sometimes fifty thousand; there is extraordinary care taken of those who are to fill up these vacancies; they are such persons who are always passionate for war, and they despise those Princes that do not lead them out to it.  
The happy fortune which joined Victory to all Mahomet's Enterprises, had too much accustomed them to overcome, to reside in peace at the Port of his Palace; the dangerous Aga adding his subtlety to their natural inclination, made them look upon the Sultan's love as a weakness that extended even to themselves; the most cowardly of them highly blamed his Conduct, and made them cry, To Arms! as oft as they saw him appear.  
The Prince knew too well the importance of their Insurrections, not to be in apprehension thereof: he then published, to appease them, that he had great designs for them, and appeared daily at their Assemblies: but Racima, who spoke by the mouth of the Aga, let them know how far any such designs were from them; and destroyed what ever Mahomet's Candour could infuse to them.  
Notwithstanding all this could not unbind him from Eronimas, and the storm he saw ready to fall upon him, could not move him. Solyman was the person whom he esteemed the most in his Empire; and seeing himself in that state which required prudent Counsels, it was from him alone that he required them: I am persuaded that my interests are dear to you, Solyman, said he to him, the same day that he discovered his passion to Morat: You know the fury which begins to spread itself amongst the Janissaries; and you are not ignorant perhaps, that it is also the effects of Racima 's Jealousy, I ought to fear the mischievous consequences: in the mean time, the interest of my heart will not suffer me to part with Eronimas; they would absolutely destroy her, and I am resolved to defend her, although it should prove to be even at the expense of my whole Empire; give me, if it be possible, such counsels as may be agreeable with my love; and tell me what I may do to calm these troubles, and preserve the thing that I love; I am to be pitied every way, the inflexible Eronimas will not so much as hear my sighs, though they are likely to cost me so dear. I could make use of my authority to constrain her; but tyranny is not the way to gain a heart.  
Solyman was truly generous, and how great interest soever he had in the Emperor's Discourse, he could not choose but pity him; he assured the Prince of his zeal and discretion; but at the same time he could not avoid tasting some joy, in learning from the mouth of a redoubted Rival, that Eronimas was still the same: he answered the confidence that Mahomet reposed in him, by the most useful counsels that he was able to give him, as that he should always flatter the Janissaries, and affect some pleasant aspects towards the Sultaness Queen, till such time as he could work upon some of the best beloved Officers of the Empire, to put the Forces and People of Constantinople into a condition of withstanding the rage of the Janissaries. I will render your fortune so little different from my own, said the Emperor to Solyman, that you shall know how great my acknowledgements are for your fidelity, and in espousing you to the Sultaness Bassima, my Sister, I will link you so close to my person, that nothing shall ever remove you from me. The Bassa's countenance changed at this Discourse; and Mahomet imagining it was with joy, accompanied his promises with many embraces; Solyman not imagining any thing that could authorize a refusal, which must necessarily banish him from the Emperor's favour, was constrained to feign an acceptance, and make secret reparations to Eronimas and Morat.  
As soon as he awaked on the morrow, he failed not to seek for the Bostangi Bassa, but could not speak with him in two days after. The Emperor's promise to Solyman, in respect of the Princess Bassima did not alarm the grand Gardener, who knew the generosity of his Friend, and his pre-engagement to another; he told him that he had seen the young Sultaness who was very much inclined to serve him with the Princess Eronima; 'twas now a great honour to Solyman to have engaged a person of that importance in his intrigue, and his hopes thereof were augmented.  
The Sultaness Bassima loved Morat too tenderly, not to endeavour with all expedition to serve his friend; there was no time limited for her to see Eronimas, but she went to her Apartments at her own pleasure; and the Sultan who loved his Sister, was overjoyed to see her contract a friendship with a person that was the most dear in the world to him.  
The lovely Sultaness soon found an occasion to speak of Solyman, whereat Eronimas blushed; but Bassima cast a look upon her, that answered for her sincerity; I am interessed for the Bassa, said she to her, and although I am Sister to the Emperor, you need not have the least scruple in speaking to me; I knew some time since that he loves you; I am not ignorant of your Adventures at Constantinople, of those since at Negropont; and I know better since that he hath suffered for you all that love can make a man suffer: and begs your sight but for one moment, as a recompense for all the misfortunes you have created him; This Discourse made Eronima's colour to increase; but seeing the Ottoman Princess so well instructed in what had passed betwixt her and the Bassa, she was obliged to acknowledge it. 'Tis true, that Solyman, said she, has done those things for me which merit my utmost thankfulness; and had I believed this passion which you assure me he reserves for me, I could still enjoy that liberty which I ought not to hope for; you can know only from himself what you have now related to me; and in what place, Madam, she went on sighing, have you seen him? Does he come exposing himself to the cruel Adventures of the Seraglio? He has not yet done it, answered Bassima, but I hope that you and I shall give him an opportunity; the entry into the Gardens is free to us. Ah, Madam, cried Eronimas, I have not resolution enough to engage him in so manifest a peril. These obstacles which alarm you, interrupted the young Sultaness, have hitherto caused more fear than mischief; I was born in the Seraglio, and I know all the Avenues thereof; the Eunuches have some deference for me, and you are Mistress of your own walks; I have some power over the grand Gardener, follow my advice, and do not refuse Solyman that satisfaction which will cost you so little. Bassima then acquainted Eronimas of her intelligence with Morat; and at last surmounted the repugnancy she had testified.  
There are occasions when love fights only to be overcome: Eronimas consented to what the Sultaness desired, so that all things contributed to favour the Bassa; an Indisposition fortunately kept the Emperor in his Bed. Morat neglected not so favourable an opportunity; and after he had given the Princesses a Rendezvous in a place called the Sultaness Grotto, at the appointed hour he took care to conduct his Friend thither.  
The Season was fair, the Emperor sick, the Sultanesses retired, the Gardiner's gone to rest, and the Gardens, by the diligence of Morat, more solitary than they were ever wont to be: Solyman trod those Walks with that agreeable emotion which precedes the greatest pleasures; and the grand Gardener having conducted him into the Sultanesses Grotto, left him there, whilst he went out to spy lest any one should come to trouble them.  
Love, and the hopes of Happiness, whereof he believed himself secure, banished all his griefs: he had not long attended, but some body came in, and an amorous transport immediately laid him prostrate at the feet of a Princess, where he lay sighing for some minutes without being able to speak: but at length, It is then permitted me to see you, Madam, said he in the most tender manner in the world, and in despite of all the difficulties which had taken from me all hopes, I can speak to you of my Love. Solyman had fixed his eyes upon the face of a person who heard him; and the Moon lent him so much light, as to let him see, that fortune had most cruelly deceived him, and that all which he thought he had spoken to Eronimas, was addressed to the Queen Sultaness.  
If his Surprise at this Adventure was great, that of Racima's was not less; she saw a man at her feet who appeared very amorous. The Customs of the Seraglio made her Mistress of his life; she then deeply resented Mahomet's inconstancy, the vengeance she hoped for from the Janissaries seemed too flow; and beholding Solyman, whom she instantly knew, as an instrument wherewith she might the more readily succour herself, she resolved not to neglect this occasion.  
Do you certainly know that I am Racima? said she, angrily to him, and the place where I see you, with the discourse which you use to me give me the power over your life, since you are Bassa to the Emperor, and that nothing can secure you from his wrath, if I acquaint him with your undertaking. Solyman was less sensible of the danger that threatened him, than of the joy that he had spoke nothing which could discover Eronimas, choosing rather to feign a thing quite opposite to his sentiments to conceal the truth of them: Yes, Madam, he replied, I know you are the Queen Sultaness, and that I have not less offended the Emperor in approaching this place, than in discovering to you the state of my heart; we cannot guide love as we list, 'tis a passion which observes no rule; and since it does absolutely possess me, I shall find more sweetness in dying after I have declared it to you, than in living with a secret that hath made me languish so long a time.  
The Sultaness knew her Beauty sufficiently to persuade her that the Bassa's vows were real and sincere; he had seen her oft enough upon public occasions to become amorous of her; and she being desirous to gain a man absolutely, whose ambition to please her might render him capable of all things, since he had already exposed himself to such imminent dangers; you may possibly find greater difficulties to encounter another time, said she, but the present temper of my Soul is favourable to you, as well as the season of retiring in the Seraglio; and if you truly think what you speak, it shall be your fault if you are not very fortunate; but be sure you narrowly respect what it is you engage in; I do not only require love in you, but submission, zeal and perseverance; you must assure me of a perfect obedience to what soever I shall demand of you; I give you two days to consider of it, at the end whereof you shall return to me in the same place, and at the same hour, to receive from me the measures of your Conduct.  
To what constraint soever this accident might engage the Bassa, he chose rather to submit to it, than to give the least suspicion of the truth; he told Racima all that he possibly could, to persuade her that he was amorous of her, he promised her to return to her the same person that she could desire him.  
She left him in this manner, and he expected Eronimas a long time; being in a great Consternation by this Adventure, he pretended to make her a thousand reparations for this fault to which his misfortune had enforced him, but it was in vain; and he went out of the Sultanesses Grotto to seek the grand Gardener, and finding him in the first Ally, I am, said he to him, the most unfortunate of all men. You would be so, replied Morat, and your impatience in going out of the Grotto hath deprived you of Eronima's sight: What would you tell me? replied Solyman. That she sought for you, said the Bostangi Bassa, and that not finding you in the Grotto, she is returned into the Seraglio, and hath robbed me of the conversation of Bassima. I am undone, Morat, cried Solyman. He then recounted to him what had passed, and they were both of opinion, that Eronimas at her entrance into the Grotto had heard what Solyman said to Racima, and moved with anger and jealousy had retired.  
Morat comforted his Friend, and promised him that he would disabuse the Princess by Bassima, and procure him some more happy rendezvous. He advised him at last to pursue his feigned passion, which would render him Master of Racima's confidence, and of all the Mysteries of the Seraglio, and made him absolutely remember not to fail the Queen Sultaness of the Meeting, which might do him a vast prejudice; they went out of the Gardens together, and did not part that night.  
Morat heard in the morning that Bassima was sick, at which Solyman despaired, because this would retard his justification. The two days that Racima gave him, ran away too swift against his inclination; and at the appointed hour, the grand Gardiner conducted him to the Sultanesses Grotto; no sooner had he entered therein, but the Queen Sultaness arrived, attended by a Slave, who immediately retired.  
You see, said she, with how great confidence I render myself to the first marks of your love; my facility ought to surprise you: but in short, are you prepared to act implicitly all that can persuade me to think that you seek only to please me, and have you no remorse that you have already engaged so far?  
The Bassa was so confused, that Racima might easily have discovered it, had not the place been so dark; but he concealed his disorder as much as possibly he could, and did so well persuade the Sultaness, that she no longer doubted of his sincerity; and taking the habit of a Woman Slave, which she had hid in the Grotto, she put it upon the Bassa, and covering his face with a Veil, made him follow her to the Seraglio, which he did, but with an agitation difficult to be expressed.  
As soon as Racima was entered into her Chamber; she commanded all persons to withdraw, except the Slave who followed her to the Grotto; and for the greater security, she made Solyman go into a Closet; and observing some emotion in his countenance, Is it, said she to him, Love, or Fear, to see yourself in a place you believe to be dangerous, that makes you unmoveable? do but love, and never trouble yourself, there is nothing wanting to the precautions that I take; and if the possession of my heart be dear to you, you have now the power to gain it for ever; you did not tremble at introducing yourself into the Gardens, where you might have been surprised by persons who would not have spared you, do not deceive the good opinion I have of you: 'tis not sufficient for me to hear that I am beloved, I must have the effect of all that I have required from you, and you shall be happy since fortune puts me into a capacity to make use of you.  
Solyman began to feel that he was not capable to continue this counterfeit for long time, repented himself that he had believed the counsel of Morat, necessity forced him to answer; and he did all that he could possibly to content Racima by his words. You know, said she, the injury that the Emperor hath done me, in giving up himself to a Slave; a brave Soul can ill suffer these sort of inconstancies; I have put in practise all things to revenge myself, the Janissaries have murmured, they may yet make an Insurrection by my means: but their Commotions perhaps may not reach my Rival, I must have a more sure and expedite revenge; and 'tis from you, Solyman, that I demand it. I pretend to punish Mahomet in giving you a heart which you deserve better than he; but you must repay this Boon, by a service that may establish my Repose. Your hand must commit an illustrious Crime, and must carry Mahomet's own Arms, and this Poniard, said she, pulling out one of the Emperor's, which she had hidden, must punish his Infidelities, and deliver the Seraglio from a Captive, who makes it groan under her Lover's troubles. In a word, I command you forthwith to go even to Eronima's Bed, and take away her life; after such an Expedition, expect the utmost of my Acknowledgement: the Janissaries are for me, my Son's Party is potent, and some thing may happen to make you the Head of the Empire. But, Solyman, said she, seeing his Colour change, you are disturbed, do not abuse me, she continued, casting a furious look upon him, and merit that confidence I repose in you.  
Solyman was in so great a consternation at these words, that he could not look upon the Sultaness without horror, but endeavouring to sweeten her eyes, which by so wicked a design, gave a threatening aspect. If I were to fight the entire body of the Janissaries, said he to her, or force the Gates of the Seraglio, you should not see me pause to do it, at the least of your orders; but, Madam, would you have me stab a Maid, that hath no weapon to oppose me with, but an innocent sleep; can a Lover so barbarous be pleasing to you, and is there no other way to revenge your Beauty? stay a little, till time disgusts the Emperor, and scorn that change which is only ignominious to him.  
If you truly loved me, replied the cruel Racima, you would only have in prospect the glory of obeying this my proposition, a little Blood which I too justly condemn, would not affright you; alas, you refuse me a trembling hand, which perhaps would serve me ill, my own shall find a readier path to the heart of my Enemy, and in a few moments she shall be no longer in a condition to disquiet me.  
This Transport redoubled the fears of Solyman; never was any Lover seen in so deplorable an extremity; the most violent Woman in the World extorting from him the worst of ills against a person he adored; he must either destroy Eronimas, or himself if it should take the least breath, and after a hundred different resolutions, he fixeth upon this, to manage Racima's inclinations, and to deceive her, at least, till such time as he could advertise Eronimas thereof, and to put things in that posture, to be wholly sacrificed to the Emperor's wrath.  
I believed, Madam, you only sought to try me, said he to her, with a more free air; but since you resolve to have Eronimas 's life effectually, I promise it with pleasure. In the mean time, said he, the better to persuade Racima, I shall plead for Mahomet; that you shall no sooner be without a Rival, but you shall restore him your heart. This doubt entirely pacified the Sultaness, whom Solyman's resistance had irritated. She assured him, that he ought to fear nothing, and that he should have no reason to repent his serving her. At length she told him, that she had taken all her measures, that he ought not to delay, but a few minutes before he went to Eronima's Chamber, that as soon as he had revenged her, she would conduct him herself out of the Gardens; and that on the morrow he should receive her Orders for all things that he was to do.  
Whilst she was thus speaking, he thought upon nothing but Eronima's safety; one while he designed to declare this Adventure even to Mahomet; but as this could not be done without discovering his passion for the Princess, he was constrained to bethink himself not to tell it to any but she, when Racima had introduced him into her Chamber.  
All these vexations hindered him not from promising himself some pleasure in hopes to see her one moment. At last, the hour that he was to go, arrived, and he marched under the conduct of a Woman slave, confident to Racima, after he had received the barbarous instructions of the Queen Sultaness.  
A profound silence now reigned over the whole Seraglio, the Eunuches were retired, the Sultanesses at repose, and all the Lights extinguished. The Slave left the Bassa at the first Door of Eronima's Apartment, which was left open by a treacherous Eunuch, whom Racima had corrupted; and after he had passed through many Chambers, he entered into the Princess' Lodgings, which were still light.  
A mortal grief oppressed her ever since she heard his amorous conversation in the Grotto, she had not stirred out of her Chamber, and Bassima being sick, had not undeceived her, and believing every thing that might make her despair, she spent her time in complaints.  
When Solyman entered, she was laid down on a Couch with her clothes on, lamenting her Captivity less than the pretended Infidelity of her Lover, she lay sometime without espying him at her Chamber door, where he stopped: but at length perceiving him, and believing it was some Slave more careful of her than the rest, who came to see if she wanted any thing: Retire, said she to him, with a great deal of candour, if I cannot take my own repose, 'tis unjust I should deprive others of theirs: the forlorn Slave durst not advance. She continued, Your diligence does me no kindness now; retire, I command you.  
Solyman stood thus no longer, but cast himself at Eronima's Feet. She thought still the Slave would have asked some favour of her; but fixing her eyes upon his face, she soon discovered, notwithstanding her tears, and his disguise, some Lines which grief had not struck out of her memory, she had neither power to rise, nor to express her surprise; her love that was irritated, and his that was not, found themselves equally without motion, and a reciprocal trouble hindered these two persons, who loved the best of any in the world, from saying any thing of it. Yet nothing could hinder Solyman's sense of the pleasure in beholding the Princess, which made him at this moment forget even the imminent danger that threatened him, and notwithstanding Eronima's Resentments of his infidelity, her eyes cast a tender aspect upon him, and found him always too amiable.  
The Bassa was just going to force his silence, and to spare a long recital of his woes, to justify himself, when a sudden noise causing him to turn his head, he espied the Emperor coming into the Chamber, and the Queen Sultaness conducted by many Eunuches.  
Racima could not introduce Solyman to the Seraglio with that secrecy, but Altagis, a Black Eunuch, faithful to the Emperor, perceived it, who knew all the Slaves, and finding something extraordinary in the Visage of the Bassa, partly suspected him, and immediately went to advertise the Emperor thereof, whose discourse disquieted him, he knew by experience the Capaciousness of the Sultan Queen's spirit, and not being able to pass over the night without better informing himself, he repaired to the women's Apartment, and afterwards to Racima's Chamber.  
Her impatience to know what Solyman had done, obliged her to follow him in a short time; Mahomet not finding her in her Chamber, was confirmed in the Eunuches suspicions, and went directly to Eronima's Lodgings: now all was dark, for the Emperor would suffer no Lights with him; and Racima hearing a noise, thought it had been Solyman, imagining no other persons were awake in the Seraglio: Is it you, Solyman? said she, coming towards him, have you sacrificed Eronimas to me, and have you merited that I shall make you happy? The Emperor no longer doubting, at these words seized the Sultaness by the Arm, and accompanied this action with menacing words, she knew the Prince's voice, and despair, seeing herself discovered, taking away part of her reason, she replied only by injurious Language.  
Mahomet stopped not to hear them, the interest of Eronimas called him to her, entering then into her Chamber (and causing Racima also to be conducted thither by the Eunuches which Altagis had called) at the sight of the Bassa there, and the remembrance of the Queen Sultanesses words, he trembled; but fury succeeding his fear, there was no point of cruelty, to which desire of revenge did not transport his imagination. Traitor, said he to Solyman, what comest thou to seek in these sacred places? and what base commerce canst thou have with this guilty Sultaness? Take my life, Sir, if that be capable of giving you satisfaction, replied the Bassa, but take care for the preservation of Eronima's. Dost thou, perfidious wretch, said the Sultan, dost thou exhort me to be careful of that life which even now thou wouldst have sacrificed? Let him be loaded with Irons, Altagis, take him from my sight, and let him be close Prisoner, till I determine the time and manner of his punishment.  
The unhappy Solyman was several times tempted to discover the secret of his heart; but the fear of displeasing Eronimas, or contracting any misfortune upon her, prevented him, so that he only cast upon her some glances full of love and despair, but full of horror upon Racima; and following the Eunuches that led him away, malicious fortune would make him appear yet more criminal in dropping the Poniard which the Queen Sultaness had given him.  
She found the Bassa appear too amiable and too obedient, to see him led to the place where he must lose his life, she was not troubled that she was the cause of her own misfortune, and this thought rendered Mahomet and the very day odious to her. 'Tis I, said she, that conducted him hither; and 'tis me alone thou oughtest to punish, I had armed him with thine own Poniard to destroy my Rival, and our enterprise unfortunately failing, revenge thyself on me if thou darest, she shall not long enjoy the pleasure of my loss, and the loss of her shall not be the least of thy misfortunes.  
Thus whilst Racima's fury expressed itself in this manner, Eronima was just expiring in the Arms of her Women, it was not enough for her to believe Solyman was unfaithful, but she saw him ready to sheathe a Poniard in her Heart; this reflection made Racima silent, dried her tears, shut her eyes, and put her into that condition which persuaded the Emperor she was now contented.  
Whilst her rage thus pleased itself at so dolesome a Spectacle, the Princess recovered a little strength, by the care of her Slaves, and casting her eyes upon her implacable Enemy: You have acted more, said she to her, (with a languishing voice) than you designed to do; the death which you prepared had been agreeable to me, but the life which now is left me, is going to be exposed to a thousand times more sensible evils. The Sultan would have spoke to the Princess, but she conjured him to give her some moment's repose; and as he only sought to please her, he retired, having first given orders to many Eunuches to watch round her Apartments.  
If I harkened only to my just indignation, said he to Racima, thou shouldst not survive so many crimes, but I must punish them with greater terror, and Bajazet's Partisans shall see, of what a Mother he has the misfortune to be born. At length he caused her to be secured in her Chamber, and after having set a Guard upon her, he retired with Altagis, who prudently counselled him, not to publish an Adventure which so much dishonoured him, and which might cause Racima's Creatures to make an Insurrection: Mahomet knew the zeal of this Eunuch, and following his advice which appeared so reasonable to him, he concealed his wrath, and left the people to divine at the cause of the Bassa's and Racima's disgrace.  
Solyman was in a condition the most deplorable of all men, he was much less concerned at the fear of death, than at the horror of an accident which made him appear as Eronima's Assassin; he continually thought upon this, and preferred the good fortune of justifying himself, beyond his own life; the Princess had incessantly before her eyes the Image of her pretended Assassin, if the Blackness of his Attempt did inspire her with any resentment, it was soon obliterated by the Idea of that vengeance the Emperor was going to take. She was now in the same Palace where she first saw Solyman, and where she received those Services which engaged her to so tender an acknowledgement, Why, said she oftentimes, did he spare my life at such a time, when I looked upon him with horror, to take it after I had given him my whole esteem? the sentiments I have for him, have rendered all things else indifferent to me, how many woes hath he cost me when I was constrained to shun him, what griefs has he not caused me since I arrived at the Seraglio? yet the barbarous man, after he had taken his heart from me, whose possession sweetened all my Sufferings, comes to sacrifice me to the least favours of my Rival, yet in spite of all the infidelities he is guilty of, my tenderness still interesses itself for him, I have the weakness to lament him, and I would save his at the expense of my own life: Ah! cruel destiny of the Paleologeans, she added, (in pouring forth a torrent of tears) why dost thou so severely prosecute the Survivers?  
The Princess continued in the like agitations all the succeeding days to this Adventure; the Emperor redoubled his cares for her, and his spite for Racima; who, notwithstanding her captivity, and moreover that she was convicted of several grand crimes; still hoped for succour from her subtle spirit.  
Although the truth was not known of what had passed in the Seraglio, none could be ignorant of the Queen Sultanesses disgrace, and of Solyman's imprisonment, it was diversely discoursed of; but Morat alone penetrated the reasons thereof, the indisposition of Bassima hindered him from learning the particulars; the Emperor appeared so troubled and so reserved that he durst not speak the least syllable of it to him; and Altagis, who was his acquaintance, stirred not from the women's Apartments, so that he was obliged to content himself with what he knew, and to seek, with some others of the Bassa's Friends, the means which they thought most proper to appease the Emperor's wrath.  
But whilst they hereunto applied themselves vigorously, the Queen Sultaness was not idle on her part, her disgrace had not diminished her credit; and seeing that all Mahomet's resentment was limited by her imprisonment; She took advantage at his indulgence, and entertaining a pernicious commerce with the Aga of the Janissaries, she caused her Captivity to be published as nothing but the Sultan's injustice.  
How great a shame is it for us, says this Agent of Racima's loudly, to see the Mother to the Heir of the Empire, a Princess who loves glory, and the repose of her Subjects, sacrificed to the ambition of a Slave, who renders Mahomet the weakest of all men? The generous Solyman is at present chained with Irons, for being ready to serve the Queen Sultaness, and the Empire, let us not doubt but the same misfortune will shortly befall us; it is in your power, brave Janissaries, to put an obstacle hereunto: you, I say, who are the only honour and support of the Empire, elevate Bajazet upon the Throne, give him early lessons of valour and generosity, he will without doubt make good use thereof, and you will assuredly signalise yourselves hereby.  
This Discourse was approved by a general shout, the Janissaries spoke now of nothing but forcing the Seraglio, to snatch the feeble Mahomet from thence, to set up the young Prince in his place, and to strangle Eronimas at Racima's feet. They loved Solyman whose valour was approved and murmured highly at his imprisonment.  
Constantinople was divided in a moment, the Janissaries, the Port, and even the Seraglio, but the Queen's Party was always the most potent; the Janissaries were now in so great a number in the City, that they alone were able to defend it.  
The Queen Sultaness soon learned in what manner Fortune acted for her interest, and promised herself, by these favourable beginnings, the liberty of Solyman, the destruction of Eronimas, and the Coronation of Bajazet.  
This Consternation less disquieted the Emperor for his own sake than for Eronima's; his wrath excited him highly against Solyman, whom he looked upon as the chief motive of this Rebellion, he several times pronounced the sentence of his death, but he could find none to execute it; and as he was confined in the Seraglio, the fear of Racima hindered the obedience due to his Orders: You will lose yourself, Sir, in taking off Solyman, said the Chief of the Eunuches to him, you may from hence hear the Janissaries mention his name, it appears sufficiently that his life is dear to them, calm this Tempest which grows loud, before you think upon vengeance, and give not the Mutineers a new subject to rebel. Mahomet was constrained to have some deference to these reasons, he knew the necessity he had to show himself to the Soldiers, but he would not do it till he had seen Eronimas again, that at least he might have this satisfaction, in case any accident should befall him, to hinder it for the future.  
He found her in her usual melancholy, but accompanied with those Charms that made him forget the preservation of his life and grandeur; I am just at the point of perishing, fair Eronimas, said he to her, is it possible you can refuse me at a time of misfortune and despair, what you would not accord me in my prosperity? I have lived without being able to make your heart flexible; and must I die in the same misfortune; can pity do nothing for me, and shall the Janissaries in bereaving me of my Crown and Life, have the pleasure to see me hated by you to the last minute? The Princess who knew nothing of the troubles which menaced the Sultan's Grandeur, was surprised at this Discourse. I am not injust enough to make vows against the happiness of your life, Sir, said she, and if it depended only upon me to establish it, I should not forbear to wish it you earnestly.  
Your Sentiments, Madam, are very generous, said the Sultan, but I wish they were more tender; should you have a little bounty for me, it were a weakness whereof you would not be obliged to blush; and if you did but love unfortunate Mahomet, he had perhaps acquired sufficient glory to justify your heart. You would enjoy but little by this advantage, she replied. 'Tis true, the Prince interrupting her, said sighing, that fortune has declared herself against me, and that she attacks my power, and perhaps my life amidst all the Forces of my Empire: but could I be assured of being beloved by you but one moment, I should die with an entire satisfaction. If you will not give me this Boon, at least promise to bewail me. The Janissaries would not trouble me, if my passion for you were less violent; 'tis the fair Eronimas that makes all things revolt against me. Ha! Sir, replied the Princess, give them the blood of a miserable woman who creates so many troubles, my death will restore your quiet, and make them more submissive. You shall live in despite of them, said the Emperor in a most tender manner, and though it cannot be for me, it shall be at least to conserve some remembrance of me. The treacherous Solyman alone shall die, he hath but too long survived his crime, it is now time to punish him, and revenge ourselves.  
You may put him to death when you please, Sir, replied the Princess (who was far from wishing the Bassa's death) but I do not solicit you to lose a person whole valour has been so successful to you; is he so criminal as to have prevented the Janissaries hatred; and if he doth really love Racima, is he not sufficiently punished for it?— Eronimas was interrupted by an extraordinary shout, and Altagis came in mightily affrighted to give the Emperor notice, that the Janissaries had already passed the first Gates of the Seraglio, and were forcing their way further: Guard this Chamber, said he to the Eunuch, I will go and expose myself to their fury; but first of all the perfidious Solyman shall lose his life. The Princess remained astonished at these words, and the Emperor marched to the places where he was called.  
He there presently espied a Crowd of Janissaries, with their Weapons in their hands, and lifting up his voice that he might be heard, What come you here to seek, said he to them, have you any right to authorize this your violence? They answered, We demand Eronimas, and the liberty of Solyman; and we pretend in forcing this slave from you, to restore your valour to its first force, and to re-establish you in the paths of Glory. Villains, replied the Sultan, this valour which you know so little to respect, may yet conduct you into those parts where you may repent the povoking of it. How! do ye pretend to come, and regulate both my designs and my actions, even into my very Palace? would you have me abandon the dearest interests of my heart to you? No, Eronimas shall never go out of the Seraglio, till you have spilt all my blood; and for the Traitor whom ye demand, I'll deliver him to you in such a manner as befits his Crime, and my Resentment.  
These words excited a new murmuring amongst the Janissaries. They cried, that they must be obliged to pull out Eronimas and Solyman by force: Come Traitors, said the Emperor to them, putting his hand upon his Scimitar, attack your Prince, whom a far greater number of Enemies is not capable to affright, and who knows well how to punish those that offend him, to make them consider more than once how they revolt from him. The Sultan's Guards were ranged round about him: but the Janissaries were in so terrible a rage, that they overthrew without respect all things that would oppose their passage.  
Racima on her part excited the like Commotions within the Seraglio: she had been advertised that the Emperor was going to strangle Solyman; all the Eunuches feared her, and whilst Altagis guarded Eronima's Chamber, she found an opportunity to escape from her own, and told the Janissaries so loud of it, that they were going to put all to the edge of the Sword, if the Bassa should be put to death, who was prisoner in the Seraglio, so that fear opened the Gates where he was kept, just as the Emperor's Orders were going to be executed.  
His liberty made him not more fierce; but he learned the revolt of the Janissaries with much grief, and far from joining with them, he went to seek the Emperor with a resolution to die for his Interests. He found him in a Gallery whither he was forced to retire, whilst the Janissaries continued their Insolence.  
The sight of Solyman astonished Mahomet, who imagined that he who would not abhor the stabbing of Eronimas, now led on the Rebels to attack him, but his submissive Deportment soon changed his opinion. Sir, said Solyman, upon his knees, and throwing his Cymerer down at his feet, I come endeavouring to merit that pardon which I beg of you; I am ready to die, to see that displeasure in you which I have occasioned, and to revenge you upon the very Authors of my Liberty; I have no sentiments for the Queen Sultaness which can offend you; and I was so far from being willing to destroy Eronimas, that I would have died a thousand times to preserve her.  
This Discourse had so little appearance of truth to the Emperor that he gave no credit to it, My eyes are convinced of what thou wouldst disavow, said he, I am not so easily abused; I am persuaded of the correspondence thou hast with Racima, and not less of the enormous Enterprise which thou hast made against the life of Eronimas, pursue thy treachery, Villain, and affect not an artificial excuse, since I ought not to put any confidence in an Enemy who would assault my Glory and my Repose.  
Solyman was not repulsed, but obliged all people to withdraw, and recited to the Emperor the intrigue of his Amours, avowing to him that he entered into the Gardens of the Seraglio, only with the hopes to see Eronimas, and afterwards what had happened betwixt him and Racima.  
The Emperor's surprise hereat was extraordinary; the importance of the Bassa's protestations persuaded him of the truth hereof; and as Mahomet had a Soul truly generous, he thought the Bassa was unhappy enough, since Eronimas was persuaded he would have taken away her life. The Emperor's jealousy, notwithstanding, and interest for his glory were declared against his Rival, who to all appearances was tenderly beloved, and who against all Laws came even into the women's Seraglio to demand new favours of Eronimas; this crime touched the Emperor to the quick, but it was not now time to hearken to his Resentments, since all things made insurrection against him; You are more happy than I, said he to Solyman, the heart of Eronima has declared in your favour; and 'tis to you alone that I owe all these rigours; two words may justify you to her, and my own indignation is not powerful enough to oblige me to take vengeance on you, triumph over my misfortune, and my weakness; but at least stay till the Janissaries have completed their Enterprise, and let me not see those things which will prove much more cruel to me than the loss of my whole Empire. Solyman, who knew the violent humour of the Sultan, and was not ignorant that it had oftentimes transported him even to cruelty, was astonished at his moderation. Believe not that I abuse your bounty, Sir, said he to him, I have not pretended to justify myself to you in avowing that I loved Eronimas, but only to let you know that I am sincere and unfortunate, that I loved before you, and that I have used all my industry and care to surmount my love, which if it be absolute over me, Sir, the zeal and respect I have for you are not less, and I have as much ardour and fidelity for my Master as for my Mistress, let us then endeavour to subject the Mutineers, and secure an authority equal to the merit of your glory: and after this, Sir, said he, sighing, you shall peaceably enjoy the presence of Eronimas.  
Whilst these two illustrious Rivals did thus explain themselves, news was brought to the Emperor, that the tumult and disorder continually increased, that the Seraglio began to mutiny, and every one declared for Racima. If you have any fidelity remaining for me, said the Emperor to Solyman, you see how necessary it is to make it appear, go show yourself to the Janissaries, and endeavour to appease their fury, whilst I labour to calm the Seraglio. The Sultan delayed no longer, but pressed himself where necessity called him, whilst Solyman marched to the Mutineers; his presence made them give great Shouts for joy; Morat was one of those who took the greatest share in the good fortune of his Liberty, but they were not in a place to take that satisfaction their Amity required.  
Solyman made a long discourse to the Janissaries exhorting them to their obedience due to the Emperor, but he found them not in any such disposition; they all cried out, To war, to war; and the Bassa persisting in his persuasions; was threatened with a more rude entertainment from them, than in the prison of the Seraglio.  
The people of Constantinople looked on quietly, during these Divisions, flattering themselves with a more mild Government in the minority of Bajazet, they took not the Emperor's part, the Aga of the Janissaries made what progress he could, and Mahomet, who before was the terror of the world, was now at the very point of being sacrificed to the jealousy of a Woman.  
In all the different Alarms, Eronimas had particular ones, the uproar of the Janissaries reached her Apartment, which she could not distinguish, and the fear of hearing some dreadful news of Solyman, made her not dare to inquire. Altagis never quitted her, neither did he understand the state of Affairs: at length they arrived to that pitch of disorder, that the Seraglio of the Women was attacked, Racima's party endeavoured to facilitate the Janissaries entrance, or at least they would deliver Eronimas to them; Mahomet had contracted their odium by certain severities which had animated even the very lowest of their Officers against him, and he had the displeasure to see them all come over to the interest of the Queen Sultaness.  
He fought furiously against all that approached him; but what valour could be able to resist so great Forces? he encountered singly against a formidable Party, whose Efforts redoubled each moment; and whatever Solyman, Morat, and their Friends could do to moderate the Janissaries; all obstacles were nigh surmounted, when the Emperor was seen to appear upon a Balcony, but in such a manner that made the stoutest Courages to tremble with horror; his countenance was affrighting, and all his action terrible, he held in one hand his Scimitar covered over with blood, the other held the head of a Woman, just separated from her Body, the face thereof was so mangled, none could discern the features, and many believed it was Racima's; Solyman himself imagined so, and though the Sultan's Action appeared barbarous to him, he did not condole a woman who had too well merited the like Treatment. The Janissaries immediately prepared themselves to revenge her death upon the Sultan, when he undeceived them in this manner.  
Behold the object of your hatred, said he to them with a loud voice, that he might be heard by the farthest off, Behold the head of Eronimas, which I deliver to you, and which with my own hand I have sacrificed to your fury, judge by this so unexpected an action, of what great things Mahomet is capable, and tremble at the mighty works he is preparing for you; 'tis now that he will conduct you to such Enemies, whose valour shall revenge the amiable Eronimas; do not think he will spare you, after this days surprising proof of his resolution, you shall see if you dare follow him, the most dreadful appearances the horrors of War can show; but if this blood I have now spilt cannot satisfy you, come, cruel men, come quench your thirst with mine, and to complete this bloody Scene, crown Racima's ambition in elevating Bajazet to the Throne.  
This Speech of the Sultan's, the sight of this head which had been so dear to him, and which he had cut off with his own hand, struck all the Spectators with astonishment; they approved this barbarous action, and had not broke silence, but to reiterate their Acclamations, crying, Long live our great Emperor, Sultan Mahomet.  
But the despairing Solyman mixed most doleful Cries with those of the Janissaries. What a dismal sight was this to him? In what a condition was the adorable Eronimas presented to him? and what did he not find himself capable to do in his first transport? He alone had acted more than all the Janissaries, had his strength been answerable to his courage: But a most just grief made herself entirely Mistress of his Soul, he fell dow● in a swoon amidst those that surrounded him from whence Morat (who was neither less surprised, nor less afflicted) caused him to be carried, whilst the Janissaries, being satisfied with Mahomet's Cruelty, took a new Oath of Fidelity to him, and retired from the Seraglio, whither the Emperor returned, after he had calmed all things.  
Solyman recovered not his weakness, but only to give some marks of his despair, whereof Morat found it a hard task to moderate his Transports, he endeavoured by all sorts of Reasons and Arguments, to oblige the Bassa to make use of his constancy, but he heard him with trouble and full of just resentment, he meditated the destruction of all the Janissaries, the death of the barbarous Mahomet, and of pitiless Racima: at length, the sacking of Constantinople, the entire ruin of the Empire, and the destruction of the whole Ottoman Race, were things too sweet for his Revenge.  
Whilst he was thus occupied by all these sad Meditations, a Message came to him that the Emperor enquired for him: How! said he, He that found no horror in spilling Eronima's blood, does he pretend that I shall see him peaceably, I shall undoubtedly go even to the Seraglio: but it shall only be to take away his life. Be not so transported, replied Morat, he may perhaps say something to you may make you alter your opinion. Alas, what can he say to me, replied Solyman, that can strike out of my memory the terrifying spectacle, he but now presented to my eyes? Have I not seen Eronima's Head separate from her body? The Scimitar of this Barbarian, was it not stained with that blood which was so dear to me? And would you still have me moderate? The grand Gardener at last persuaded Solyman to return to the Seraglio, without offering any violence.  
The night was far advanced when they arrived at the Seraglio; Morat conducted his Friend to the Emperor's Apartment, and there left him to go in alone; for the order was not given for him. Solyman thus walkked to the Sultan's Chamber, with all the emotion that a man can have, when he is going to see the Executioner of that person whom he loved the best in the world.  
Mahomet was then without Guards, without Eunuches, and in that dejected condition, which gave great facility to attempt his life: but Solyman, though enraged to the utmost, had a certain natural respect for his Prince, which opposed itself to all things wherewith his desire of vengeance could inspire him: Come hither, Solyman, said he to the Bassa, come and enjoy the good fortune which the Janissaries have procured you. Do not excite that despair, Sir, replied Solyman, which with all my industry I have found so difficult to moderate; content yourself in that you have rendered me the most miserable of all men, without adding thereunto a raillery, which perhaps may force me to break thorough the bounds of my duty to you. Is it possible, replied the Emperor, that you could believe me capable of taking away Eronima's life, and that you should know me so ill, you whom I have ever distinguished from the rest of my subjects by a sincere esteem and confidence? Alas, Sir, cried Solyman, have I not seen Eronima's head in your hands, and have you not appeased the Janissaries by this barbarous sacrifice? 'Tis true, said the Sultan, that I have quieted their rage; but the head that you saw was not Eronimas ' s, one of Racima ' s Slaves served us to secure the life of Eronimas, and to restore peace and tranquillity in the Seraglio, and in the extremity whereto I saw myself reduced, I chose rather to send her from me, and lose all my repose, than to see her fall into the hands of the Janissaries, who would have had no respect, either to her beauty, or my love: you shall learn the rest from Altagis (seeing that Eunuch come in) said he, and shall judge by his discourse whether you have any occasion to complain.  
Solyman was amazed, the Emperor went into his Closet; and Altagis spoke to the Bassa in this manner.  
You know how obstinately the Janissaries pursued their Insolences, after you were at liberty; all the Seraglio revolted against Mahamet, and Racima alone commanded all there, whilst they without endeavoured to break down the Gates, which the Emperor courageously defended, taking less thought for the conservation of his own life and dignity, than for Eronima's safety, whom he saw so nearly threatened, considering at last that all his efforts were but in vain, and were now going to be surmounted, he generously resolved to have her conveyed out of the Seraglio, and leaving a small number of his Friends to amuse the Enemy, he ran to Eronima's Chamber, which I, by his order had not quitted.  
All our Galleries were deserted, fear had obliged all the Sultanesses and the Slaves to retire, the Eunuches were otherwise employed; and the Emperor finding no obstacle, Fly, Madam, quickly, said he to the Princess, go seek in places more fortunate that repose which my passion hath robbed you of, delay not one moment, the Janissaries are making themselves Masters of this place, and I tremble lest they should surprise you, the faithful Altagis shall conduct you, and I shall die with content, when you have nothing to fear; save her, my dear Altagis, and, if it be possible, secure her from all perils which can threaten her. The Princess would have replied, but the Emperor would not give her time; we were just beginning our march, when I espied a Favourite Slave of Racima's, posted by her Mistress' Order, near Eronima's Apartment, to observe what passed; she would have cried out to interrupt our escape, without respecting the Emperor. I avow to you, Solyman, the zeal I have for my Master, made me cruel, I took off the head of this Woman Slave with one blow of my Scimitar; and considering at the same time, it was a means to secure our secret, I disfigured the face, and presenting it to the Emperor: Hold, Sir, said I, appease the Janissaries in telling them this is the Head of Eronimas, whilst I conduct her from these places to some securer Refuge.  
The Sultan followed my advice, besmeared his Scimitar in blood, and showed himself to the Janissaries in the manner you saw him, after he had given an adieu to the Princess full of tenderness.  
You may well be astonished, that in the women's Seraglio, which is ordinarily so frequented, we could be able to do what I have told you without being discovered, but I have already observed to you that every one was retired, some for fear, and others upon the necessity of their Employs.  
I had then time enough to oblige the Princess to take the Slave's Garments, and to clothe her with her own; she could not resolve upon this without difficulty, but I assisted her to make this Exchange, and afterwards conducted her to the most remote Corner of the Gardens, and put her into the hands of some Women who usually live there, to be serviceable to the Slaves of the Sultaness, making them believe she was one of Racima's, who having unfortunately displeased her, was forced to abscond for some time. There she now continues in great safety: I returned to the Seraglio, where no body doubts of her death; and Racima not finding her Slave, thought she had fled to save herself, during those Commotions, preferring her liberty before the Sultanesses Favour.  
This Discourse of Altagis created an inexpressible joy in Solyman, he presently banished from his heart all the horrors that had occupied it, and seeing the door of the Emperor's Closet open, he went to throw himself at his feet, and to speak to him all that his acknowledgement & his love could inspire. I did not deceive you, said the Prince to him, with a sigh, you are now going to enjoy all Eronima's tenderness, and the pleasure of making your own to appear; as for me, I fight, and perhaps may conquer: but if Love shall always tie me to her, I will go seek in Wars the end or the cure of all my Woes: she is still within the Bounds of the Seraglio, take her out of this place, which in time may prove fatal to her; I have already sacrificed my repose to her, and I will yet sacrifice to her the resentment which I may justly have for your enterprise against our Laws, and against my Love; 'tis to you that I bequeath her, since I am destined to lose her; I could deprive you of her as well as myself, by banishing her my Empire, but my jealousy is not of so blind an interest. Most just reflections have made me decide in your favour; and since I have judged you worthy of my esteem, and my friendship, I cannot remit a Princess whom I have adored, and who still is more dear to me than my Life, into better Hands than yours; I do love her, and 'tis by this reason that I find some consolation in giving her to a person of whom she is beloved. 'Tis thus that Mahomet, who hath hitherto passed for a cruel Soul, and who hath sufficiently confirmed it by the pretended death of Eronimas, doth revenge himself of a pitiless Mistress, and of a Rival who hath so highly offended him.  
The Bassa was so charmed at what he heard, that hardly could he give the Emperor any part of the praises due to his Generosity; he condoled the unlucky chance of so great a man, and was convinced that he alone was the person worthy of Eronimas; and having returned thanks a thousand times for his life, and his good fortune, he went to seek Morat, who was to receive the Princess from the Hands of Altagis at one of the Garden Gates.  
This News was not less surprising to the Gardener, than it was to Solyman. Although the Night was far advanced, Morat ran to the place where Altagis expected him; and Solyman ravished with joy attended the Princess at his Friend's House, who advised him not to accompany her thither, for fear of giving the least suspicion by the number of persons.  
Eronimas had seen all that passed with a warmness which much resembled an indifferency, Solyman's infidelity had so touched her, that she found not herself sensible at any thing else: she heard he was alive, but knew nothing of his innocence: Morat having received her from the hands of Altagis, spoke several times to her, but she had not the force to answer him: at length they entered into the Bostangi Bassa's House, and by the light of several Flamboes' she saw Solyman; he immediately prostrated himself at her Feet, and there lay without being able to express himself; his presence and his action equally astonished the Princess; she had not seen him since he attempted her life, and sighing for grief that she should still find in herself a tender inclination towards a person who deserved it so little: Is it, said she, the regret that you could not sacrifice me to Racima's Fury, that casts you into these transports, or is it the displeasure you had to see the Emperor's Fiction succeed? It was not long of me that you did not execute your Design, neither was it the care I took of my own safety that secured it; fortune would preserve me for a continuation of misfortunes which she has destined for me: Ah! Solyman, that you had not spared me, that you had taken less pity on me at the taking of Constantinople. Eronima's tears interrupted her discourse; Solyman had leisure to answer, and the Princess' eyes were full of languish, which required his justification. I should appear a thousand times more criminal than you can reproach me, Madam, said he, and fortune was resolved to show in my Adventure all her most fantastical and surprising tricks. But my Princess in spite of all her appearances has not your heart taken my part? Have you believed me capable of assassinating you? I who have always adored you, and who never sought any thing but you at the peril of my life; and who respired no other pleasure than that of seeing you persuaded of my passion. Ah, Madam! how happy had I been, if you had a little sought for me. Was I not a witness to your passionate discourse with Racima, said Eronimas, in the Grotto? And did you not come even to my Bed to sacrifice me to her jealousy? 'Tis true, replied the Bassa, that I was in your Apartment, and that she conducted me thither; but if I might merit any thing from you it should be only by this Adventure that I might appear so criminal to you. He then recounted to the Princess after what manner he was engaged into this Counterplot, which rendered him Master of all Racima's Secrets: Morat seconded his Friend, and wholly convinced the Princess that he was innocent; she desired it too much not to be persuaded thereof; and Solyman had yet a much more puissant Mediator than the grand Gardener, the lovely Eronimas yielded, tasted the pleasure to see herself out of the Seraglio, and to find Solyman constant, who in a few moments saw himself the happiest of all men, after so many Traverses.  
In the mean time Altagis gave the Emperor an account how he had disposed of Eronima. This Prince who passed for the greatest of his age, now found himself in a most deplorable estate; his subjecting the Janissaries in putting an end to the troubles of the Seraglio, had not quieted those of his heart. At some hours he was resolved to abandon the Empire, and renounce all the glory of his life, to spend the rest of his days with Eronimas; but considering he could never make himself beloved of her, that all the ardour of his passion, the merit of his person, and the splendour of the greatest fortune in the world were not capable of moving her; he concluded that would not be the means to make him the more happy; sometimes his jealousy inflamed him against Solyman, for he alone possessed Eronima's affections, he had merited death in violating the Laws of the Seraglio, but resolving not to conquer himself by the halves, he considered, that in losing Solyman he should contract new Enemies against himself, he generously triumphed over his passion, abandoned the interest of his heart to his Glory, and resolved not to thwart two persons whom fortune had united, and love had favourised.  
Racima on the other side endeavoured to banish Solyman from her heart, the death of Eronimas gave her hopes of the Emperors return to her; but her Crime was none of those which are easily forgotten; the Emperor always remembered it, but he was too sensible of her power, and durst not declare his just resentments; he contented himself to see her seldom, and to draw off what ever esteem or amity he ever had for her.  
He found himself indisposed for some days, and could not go out of the Seraglio; it was imagined, that Eronimas was the cause thereof: Solyman was taken up in telling her all that he had suffered for her, she would not quit Morat's House, and the Emperor came thither to visit her as soon as his health could permit; this Honour which the Sultan's give to few persons, gave the Princess new Alarms; Morat and Solyman were with her when the Sultan arrived, the Princess and the Bassa changed their Countenances when he came in: Be not disturbed, said Mahomet to them, 'tis the design of securing your repose that brings me hither, and afterwards to bid you an eternal Adieu. As for you, Madam, he continued, addressing himself to the Princess, though you could not love me, I hope you will not refuse me some esteem; perhaps I have deserved it, by the victory I have obtained over my passion, nothing can for the future justify me of the barbarous Action which I was obliged to feign, and all those who shall read the History of my Life, will look upon me as a Monster; but I shall consolate myself in it, for as much as it hath been serviceable to you.  
Sir, the Princess answered, I have nothing to reproach my self of, in respect of that esteem which you demand of me; and if I have had any Sentiments opposite to yours, they have not detracted from those which all the earth ought to have for your merit, and now that I am overwhelmed with your Bounties, that all your Generosity is declared in my favour, what acknowledgements thereof ought I not to conserve.  
If I have done any thing for you, replied the Emperor, hitherto it can only be attributed to the interest of my Glory; but I must yet go farther, fortune which hath rendered me too happy against your Family, hath not left you in an estate worthy of yourself: suffer me, fair Eronimas, to repair part of those outrages she has committed against you, and receive some succour, without repugnancy from the hand of a Prince who still loves you in spite of all things that ought to hinder it; the Present I shall make you is agreeable to your inclination, 'tis Solyman, whom perhaps I should less have favoured at a time when reason had a less Empire over me: he is of a blood respected amongst us, there are no Kings whose alliance he may not hope for, and I had designed my Sister for him: you are persuaded that he loves you, and I am not less certain that he is beloved by you, accept him then, with all that I possess in Asia, the stately City of Trebizond, wherewith I have enriched our Empice, shall be your secure Sanctuary: there pass all your days more happy than mine, and there retain some remembrance of Mahomet.  
Eronimas and Solyman were so satisfied, that for a long time their silence spoke for them: at length they testified their Acknowledgements to the Emperor, who told the grand Gardener, that since Solyman could not have Bassima: he gave her to him as soon as the Princess could recover her Indisposition. The Joy was equal amongst these three persons; and Mahomet having continued with them some few moments, after he bid them adieu, which cost Eronimas some tears, returned to the Seraglio.  
On the morrow the Emperor sent Solyman the Commissions for the Government of those places he had promised him, the Princess worse dependence now was only upon herself, gave herself for ever to him; they made their voyage to Trebizond, and there established themselves gloriously: Morat espoused the Sultaness Bassima; and the Emperor performed his promise to the Janissaries in conducting them to new Conquests.   
FINIS.   

A Catalogue of some Books, Printed for, and sold by W. Cademan, at the Pope's Head in the New Exchange in the Strand.  

Folio.  
AN Institution of General History, or the History of the World, by William Howel, L. L. D. in two Vol.  
Historical Collections, or an exact Account of the Proceedings of the four last Parliaments of Queen Elizabeth, of famous memory.  
Pharamont Complete, English.  
Clelia, a Romance, English.  
Parthanissa, English.  
An Heroic Poem on Thomas, Earl of Ossery, with his Picture, neatly cut in Copper.   

Quarto.  
An Historical Relation of the first Discovery of the Isle of Madera.  
The Protestant Religion is a sure Foundation, etc. by the Right Honourable, Charles, Earl of Derby.  
The Jesuits Policy to suppress Monarchy, by a person of Honour.  
The great efficacy and necessity of good Example, especially in the Clergy, in a Visitation Sermon at Guildford, by Thomas Duncomb, D. D.  
A Sermon Preached before the King, by Miles Barn, Chaplain in Ordinary to the King.  
A Sermon Preached at the Assizes at Lancaster, by Henry Pigot, B. D.  
God's Revenge against Murder, demonstrated in the prosecution of Henry Symbal and William Jones, Executed for the murdering Sir Rich. Samford.   

Octavo and Twelves.  
Spanish History, or the differences that happened in the Court of Spain, between Don John of Austria and Cardinal Nitard, with all the Letters and politic Discourses relating to those Affairs.  
Reflections upon Ancient and Modern Philosophy.  
The English Princess, or the Duchess Queen, a pleasant Novel.  
Court Songs and Poems, being an exact Collection.  
The Temple of Death, with other Poems, by a Person of Honour.  
Hogan Moganides, or the Dutch Hudibras.  
Liquor Achahest, or the immortal dissolvent of Paracelsus and Helmont, etc.  
Philotrification, by Dr. Shirley.   
FINIS.